Business meals and entertainment expenses remain among the most commonly misunderstood—and poorly documented—business deductions. This two-hour self-study IRS continuing-education course examines IRC Section 274 after the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, including the 50% limitation on qualifying business meals, the general disallowance of entertainment expenses, separately stated food and beverage costs, reimbursement arrangements, employer-provided meals, statutory exceptions, substantiation, and audit defense.

Taught by former IRS Senior Revenue Agent Victoria Boon, whose more than 20 years of IRS experience included complex business examinations, technical training, and specialized work involving IRC Sections 162 and 274. This course provides a comprehensive analysis of meals and entertainment regulations under IRC §274 as amended by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Participants will learn how to identify deductible vs. nondeductible expenditures, interpret the regulatory definitions surrounding “entertainment,” “business associate,” and reimbursement arrangements, and apply the numerous exceptions under IRC §274(e), including compensation, recreational activities, public availability, and goods or services sold to customers. Using examples from the final regulations, we will dissect key distinctions such as separately stated food and beverage costs, employer-provided meals, and the treatment of per diem reimbursements. This course equips practitioners with the technical precision required for compliance, documentation, and audit defense.