Maximizing Tax Deductions: Lunch with In-Laws and Business Expenses Explained

[sarahsworld2000]

Hello everyone,
This year I am getting a jump start on my taxes and keeping organized so 2012 isn't as big a pain as 2011 taxes were. My question is this. I went to lunch with my in laws. My mother in law had ordered something so at lunch she gave me the money for her order and I breifely mentioned to my sister-in-laws that we had a new catalog and that March Host speical was cookware. Do you think that is enough to deduct the price of my lunch? After I was done I went to the bank to deposit my show from the night before so I counted the miles, but not sure about the lunch. What do you think?
Thanks,
Sarah

 

[ChefShalon]

I would say no. If it was a meeting with a potential recurit then yes. But since its a dinner where you just happened to pick up an order and happened to talk about new catalogs no. I say this because if you think about it you prolly talk about pampered chef to almost everyone while out in about you carry the bag or wear logo wear, and you can't tax deduct everything you do because its personal stuff going on with a side of business activity.

 

[Teresa Lynn]

I would say no as well, but I'm freakishly petrified of being audited. I am a big time rule follower so it wouldn't be horrible, just an inconvenience!

 

[ShellBeach]

I say yes. I have a repeat host that I meet for lunch and she gives me her order sometime during. It's a business lunch.

 

[esavvymom]

I say yes. I have a repeat host that I meet for lunch and she gives me her order sometime during. It's a business lunch.

That I can see as easily being justified. Not really sure on the family lunch though as with the OP. If that were the case, all anyone would ever have to do is talk a little business (no matter what business), and claim it on their taxes. I doubt the IRS would be very agreeable in that case.

I'm with the other poster - it's not worth it in a grey area, should I ever get an audit. If it's a clear-cut business meeting with a host, or recruit, or your team, then yes. Getting an order over lunch, grey area to me, so I wouldn't.

 

[slmoulton8]

I would check with someone who is an accountant because i was told if you purchase gift certificate and meet, customers, hosts or recruit leads and pick up lunch only 1/2 the meal is deductable but if you purchase a gift card 100% is. You want to check for sure since they are cracking down on entertainment this year someone told me but EVERY DAY I go to the Bank and PO for Pampered Chef and EVERYDAY I write that off. When I run to town to drop off products or pick up checks to close a show I write that off too. Just deduct the milage to the store that was out of the way.