IRS Policy Changes with Meals in 2025 & 2026

With the days of the "three martini lunch" long gone, this episode offers crucial financial advice regarding current and upcoming changes to meal and entertainment deductions, helping small business owners navigate what is deemed "ordinary and necessary" by the IRS. We detail the two main categories for meals: the 50% deduction (e.g., meals with clients or employee training) and the 100% deduction (e.g., company Christmas parties or promotional public events), while stressing that entertainment expenses are entirely non-deductible. The discussion also highlights a significant 2026 change that eliminates the deduction for employee meals provided for the employer's convenience, underscoring the need to consult with accounting services to ensure all purchases are legitimately tied to business needs and avoid scrutiny from an understaffed but eventually catching-up IRS.Subscribe for more valuable insights to help your small business thrive.💼💰 Kaizen CPAs + Advisors: https://www.kaizencpas.comSend us an email: [email protected] #SmallBusiness #TaxSeasonTips #FinancialPlanning #futureofwork🎙️ Kaizen Time is part of the Blood, Sweat & Business podcast series by Kaizen CPAs + Advisors. We help small business owners make smarter financial decisions—without the fluff.🔗 Learn more: kaizencpas.com 📧 Contact: [email protected] 📲 Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram 📅 Book a discovery call #smallbusiness #kaizentimepodcast #accounting #taxplanning #businessstrategy