Client lunch meetings - Business expense?

[zeb]

A couple of times in the last year I've arranged to meet clients over lunch, and have picked up the bill.

I'm happy to do this but what I'd like to know is, can I include the cost as a business expense for tax purposes? I'm not talking anything elaborate here (more's the pity!), just £40-50. I'm a sole trader and not registered for VAT.

Does anyone know?

Thanks,

Mary

[creatabledesign]

I am a sole trader too and likewise I am not VAT registered yet, and I have often wondered whether this is ok to do as well. I have been claiming it as a cash expense or more to the point an an overhead expense. Because it's always come off of the business card, but I am getting a bunch of questions ready to ask a solicitor / accountant so I don't waste time trying to think of questions to ask.

Maybe someone here will know though, I would be interested to as I from time to time will pick up the coffee's of the full cost of a lunch meal so I hope it's not wrong to claim it back.

[creatabledesign]

This page may be of use...

Self employed expenses - claiming expenses as a sole trader - Easy Accountancy - Accountants for Freelancers, Sole traders and SME's

Hopefully that will help you out, but by the looks of it (don't quote me on this), it seems we are not able to claim lunch expenses as it's not technically business related.

Please seek professional advise though, unless there are any accountants on this website?

Cheers,

[squeezee]

I think that (as a limited company) our entertainment comes out after tax, so there's no benefit of claiming really.