Question

Olga is a technical sales consultant for Interactive Systems Corporation (ISC) based in San Diego. While on business in Boise, she entertains several clients at a cost of $600. When she returns to San Diego, Olga gives ISC receipts and other information to account for the entertainment expense. ISC reimburses Olga $600. How much can Olga and ISC deduct

Answer 1

The answer is: Depends on what is considered entertainment, it can vary from $0 to $300.

Step-by-step explanation:

You can deduct ordinary and necessary expenses from your business income.

Ordinary expenses are expenses commonly paid by other taxpayers in your same industry.

Necessary expenses considers things that you need to pay in order to do business.

Some expenses can only be deducted partially even if they are ordinary and necessary, like having meals with your clients. If Olga took the clients to dinner she can deduct up to 50% of what she paid for the meal ($600 x 50% = $300)

With the introduction of the 2017 Tax Reform Law entertainment expenses (e.g. theater tickets) are no longer deductible expenses. So if Olga took her clients to a concert, then she can't deduct any amount of money.