Meal expenses are deductible only if your travel requires you to be away from home overnight or if the meal is business-related entertainment.
You can figure all your travel meal expenses using either of the following methods:
- Actual cost. If you use this method, you must keep records of your actual cost.
- The standard meal allowance which is the federal M&IE rate. These rates are listed in Publication 1542.
The deduction for unreimbursed business meals is generally subject to a 50% limitation.