Small Business Taxes

Travel, Meals, and Entertainment Deductions Explained

Updated 2025-10-28

What’s deductible at 50% vs. 100%, what documentation is required, and how to avoid mixing personal travel with business.

  1. Travel rules
  2. Meals: 50% vs. 100%
  3. Entertainment rules
  4. Documentation & best practices

Travel rules

Transportation, lodging, and incidental costs are deductible when the trip is primarily for business. Personal side trips are not deductible.

Meals: 50% vs. 100%

Entertainment rules

Entertainment is generally not deductible. However, business meals during entertainment events may be if separately stated and meeting ordinary and necessary tests.

Documentation & best practices