Claiming for lunch

uknick

Jeremy535897 said:

uknick said:

Brie said:

If you are meeting potential clients at the McD's and buying them a coffee then I would say you could claim for expenses.

Entertaining is not tax deductible for Ltd or sole traders and I assume any other business organisation.

I don't think that providing a coffee when meeting a client is regarded as "entertaining." See:
https://www.all-paul.co.uk/post/food-and-drink-provided-to-customers-is-it-tax-deductible

I'm not sure the validity of the link, other than confirming my post.  The article's author says;

"HMRC has generally accepted that the cost of light refreshments (tea, soft drinks biscuits etc) at a business meeting or event is tax deductible. However, this does not stretch to taking a prospective client for a drink at a café or pub where the motive is hospitality (entertaining)."

So we get to the question, is touting for new business, a meeting or entertaining?

I agree the chance of HMRC questioning the relatively small amount (I assume) is pretty slim if non existent.  But, you never know if you're the one in a million they decide to check and is it worth the hassle of a full HMRC check for a few £ in tax relief.

Jeremy535897

I think OP has given up on this thread as all the stuff about employees is relevant to him as a self employed person.