You spend money on meals and travel all the time; Client lunches, flights, hotels, conferences, team dinners, and networking events are all part of running a business.

But most business owners don’t know what is actually deductible anymore.

In this episode, Mike breaks down the 2026 rules for meals, travel, and entertainment deductions. He explains what still qualifies, what changed, what is no longer deductible, and how business owners can turn everyday spending into legitimate tax savings without creating unnecessary IRS risk.

👉 Get the Free Tax Savings Starter Kit Built for Small Business Owners:
https://www.taxsavingspodcast.com/starterkit

🚀 Book your free demo call today. Click here or visit:
https://taxelm.com/demo/

Chapters

00:58 Why Meals and Travel Deductions Matter

Meals and travel are common business expenses, but many owners either under-deduct or deduct the wrong things. The goal is to turn qualified spending into pre-tax deductions with a clear business purpose.

02:30 How to Deduct Meals in 2026

Most business meals are 50% deductible in 2026. This includes client lunches, vendor meetings, and prospect meals, as long as there is a real business discussion.

04:30 When Meals Can Be 100% Deductible

Some meals can be 100% deductible, such as food provided at sales seminars, company events, or employee parties when structured correctly.

06:00 Entertainment Rules Business Owners Need to Know

Entertainment is generally not deductible, even if business is discussed. But meals and drinks purchased separately at those events may still qualify.

08:30 How Business Travel Deductions Work

Business travel can include 100% deductions for flights, hotels, and transportation. Travel meals are generally 50% deductible.

11:30 Business Days, Tax Home Rules, and Mixed Travel

To deduct travel, the trip needs a clear business purpose and must take you away from your tax home. Mike also explains business days, weekend rules, and mixed personal travel.

Podcast Host:

Mike Jesowshek, CPA – Founder and Host of Small Business Tax Savings Podcast
Join TaxElm: https://taxelm.com

🚀 Visit: https://www.TaxSavingsPodcast.com

🚀 Check Out TaxElm: https://taxelm.com/

🚀 Join our Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/taxsavings/

🚀 YouTube: www.TaxSavingsTV.com

👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH
You can Tweet @MJesowshek with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes. We want to thank you personally for tuning in 🙏

🙌LEAVE A REVIEW
If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more business owners find the show ⭐

🎙 ABOUT THE PODCAST
The Small Business Tax Savings Podcast is your go-to resource for cutting-edge tax strategies to help entrepreneurs legally slash their tax bills. Hosted by Mike Jesowshek, CPA, this show breaks down complex tax topics into clear, no-fluff insights so you can keep more of your hard-earned money.