Understanding Tax Deductions for Lavish Business Expenses

When discussing business expenses, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does not explicitly define the terms "lavish" or "extravagant." Nonetheless, it emphasizes the requirement that these expenditures be both "ordinary and necessary" in order to qualify as deductible. An "ordinary" expense is one that is typical and accepted within a taxpayer’s industry or field. In contrast, a "necessary" expense must be useful and appropriate for the business.

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For example, if a high-end restaurant owner purchases expensive wine for a client meeting, this could be seen as "ordinary" in the restaurant business context. However, spending excessively on items unrelated to business needs might cross into "extravagant" territory. Thus, understanding the subtleties of these definitions can significantly impact tax planning strategies.

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