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Accounting & Bookkeeping & Small Business Forum
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| Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 10:16 am Post subject: Meals for Private Investigators |
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| I have a Private Investigator as a client. He eats at fast food establishments a lot either because he is on "stake out" or because he is running all over town "serving" legal papers. Can I deduct the entire cost of his meals when he is on the go like this (either in town or out of town)? He has an office in his home but is rarely there - he practically lives in his car. Thanks for any help you can give. |
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Guest
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| Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 6:29 pm Post subject: RE: Meals for Private Investigators |
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| The only time he could deduct meals is if he is entertaining a client, or if he is away from home overnight. If he is away from home overnight you might want to look up the goverment per diem rates for the county he is in. Typically the per diem lodging and meal reat is greater than the actual expense. Regarding his daily meals, the IRS's thinking is he has to eat regardless, it's his choice to bring a bag lunch or go to Mickey D's, neither are deductible. |
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