Set rate for business lunch?

My accountant has informed me that that HMRC are clamping down on lunch costs and unless you are staying away from home then you should not claim as it's no different to a PAYE employee who either puts his hand in his pocket or takes his own

unforeseen wrote: »

My accountant has informed me that that HMRC are clamping down on lunch costs and unless you are staying away from home then you should not claim as it's no different to a PAYE employee who either puts his hand in his pocket or takes his own

Same here, no claiming for meals, lunch, taking clients out etc. Those days are long gone.

To be honest, I never did put these through, it just seemed strange to do so.

ComicGeek wrote: »

If it's a legitimate business expense, and meets the HMRC definition, then I can't see the problem. We have tea, coffee & water provided by the company at the office - why shouldn't I claim back subsistence costs incurred when I'm on business trips out of the office, as I'm out of pocket.

I can't see HMRC's problem with this, why is it any different to mileage expenses?

It doesn't sound as if your employer provides lunch - if you're in the office or away you have to pay for your lunch. If you have a free canteen at work then I suppose it would be different and you could argue the point with HMRC.

Mileage is a valid expense provided it is purely business related - going off sightseeing or visiting your mistress would not be allowable for instance.