Tis the Season: Are Your Holiday Parties Tax Deductible? 

Tis the season to celebrate the holidays – with a good party! There’s just something about the music, the food, and the excellent company that brightens our spirits. However, sometimes, it’s important to consider the practical side of things, like taxes. So, the big question is, are holiday parties tax deductible?

The short answer is yes, holiday parties can be tax deductible, but there are some important caveats to keep in mind. First of all, the party has to be a business expense, which means you can’t just throw a party for your friends and then write it off on your taxes. The party must be for your employees, clients, or customers to qualify as a legitimate business expense.

Secondly, the IRS has some specific rules around how much of the party you can deduct. Generally, you can deduct the cost of a holiday party if it is open to all employees and their spouses, and the cost is reasonable. However, if you only invite a select group of employees, or if the cost of the party is deemed excessive, you may be limited in how much you can deduct.

Finally, keep careful records of all the expenses related to the party, including bites, drinks, decorations, and any rental fees for the venue. You’ll want to make sure you have receipts for everything and that you keep track of who attended the party and why they were invited.

In summary, holiday parties can be tax deductible, but only if they meet specific criteria. If you’re planning a party for your employees, clients, or customers, be sure to keep these guidelines in mind. And most importantly, have a great time and enjoy the festivities! Happy holidays!

But don’t worry about knowing these tax deductions. Meet with a TurboTax Full Service expert who can prepare, sign, and file your taxes so you can be 100% confident your taxes are done right. Start TurboTax Live Full Service today, in English or Spanish, and get your taxes done and off your mind.