Blog Layout

Deduct 100 Percent of Your Employee Recreation and Parties

Tax Return — Thomasville, AL — Golden Tax Relief

When you know the rules, you can party with your employees and deduct 100 percent of the cost.


The IRS says that the following types of entertainment qualify for the 100 percent employee entertainment tax deduction:


  • Holiday parties, annual picnics, and summer outings
  • Maintaining a swimming pool, baseball diamond, bowling alley, or golf course

 

The IRS makes it clear that the above are examples, and that other types of entertainment may also qualify for the 100 percent entertainment deduction. The tax code states that “expenses for recreational, social, or similar activities (including facilities therefor) primarily for the benefit of employees” qualify for the 100 percent deduction.

Who Are These Employees?

Technically, the law requires that the entertainment expenses be primarily for the benefit of employees other than a “tainted group.” The tainted group consists of



  • highly compensated employees (employees who are paid more than $130,000 in 2021);
  • anyone, including you, who owns at least a 10 percent interest in your business (this is called a “10 percent owner”); or
  • any members of the families of 10 percent owners, i.e., brothers and sisters (including half-brothers and half-sisters); spouses; ancestors (parents, grandparents, etc.); and lineal descendants (children, grandchildren, etc., including adoptees).

 

As the business owner, you belong to the tainted group. That’s not a big deal. You just need to make sure that partyingwith the employees is primarily for the benefit of the employees.

“Primary” Means “More Than 50 Percent”

In tax law, the words “primary” and “primarily” mean “more than 50 percent.” For employee recreation, that means the untainted group of employees has to account for more than 50 percent of the use of the entertainment facility, or in the case of a party, a majority of the attendees must come from the untainted employee group.



Documentation tip. You can measure “primary” by days of use, time of use, number of employees, or any other reasonable method. Regardless of how you measure use, the keys to your deductions are the records that prove the uses.

15 Apr, 2024
When you own an LLC, tax season can be more daunting than ever. Read on to learn what goes into taxes as an LLC owner so you're better prepared.
09 Mar, 2024
Introduction: In the gripping narrative of "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Lived," characters are thrust into a world of constant threats and uncertainties. At Golden Tax Relief, we understand that while tax season may not involve literal zombies, the feeling of dread and complexity can feel just as daunting. Let's explore how the survival tactics employed by the show's characters can be a metaphor for effective tax planning and how our team can be your ally in this journey. Survival against Odds: Just as the survivors in "The Walking Dead" face a new world of challenges, taxpayers encounter the labyrinthine complexities of the tax system. Preparation and knowledge are your armor and weapons. At Golden Tax Relief, we arm you with the latest tax strategies and regulations, ensuring you're well-prepared long before deadlines approach. Our expertise is your guide through the treacherous terrain of tax season. Community and Contribution: In the post-apocalyptic world, strength lies in numbers and collective wisdom. Similarly, in the realm of tax planning, leaning on the expertise of professionals can make all the difference. At Golden Tax Relief, we foster a community approach, working alongside our clients to understand their unique financial landscapes and ensuring their contributions work in their favor. Like a well-coordinated survival group, we combine our strengths to protect and advance your financial well-being. The Threat of Penalties: In the world of "The Walking Dead," the consequences of missteps can be severe. In the tax world, mistakes can lead to audits and penalties. Our role at Golden Tax Relief is akin to that of a vigilant lookout, helping you steer clear of common pitfalls and ensuring compliance with all tax laws and regulations. We stay at the forefront of tax legislation to shield you from unexpected threats and keep your financial journey on track. Unexpected Challenges and Adaptability: Just as the survivors in the series must adapt to new threats and environments, so must taxpayers in the face of changing tax laws and personal circumstances. Golden Tax Relief prides itself on our adaptability and foresight. Whether responding to an IRS notice or adjusting strategies mid-year, we're equipped to help you navigate the ever-evolving tax landscape with confidence. Resource Management: Resource management is crucial for survival in "The Walking Dead," as it is in effective tax planning. Maximizing deductions, strategizing for future tax liabilities, and ensuring efficient financial planning are paramount. At Golden Tax Relief, we approach your financial health holistically, ensuring every decision is made with your best interests and long-term stability in mind. Conclusion: While the stakes may differ dramatically between a zombie apocalypse and tax season, the principles of survival remain the same: preparation, community, vigilance, adaptability, and resource management. At Golden Tax Relief, we embody these principles in our approach to tax planning, ensuring you're not just surviving tax season, but thriving beyond it. Let us guide you through the complex tax landscape, providing peace of mind and a clear path forward. Welcome to a new era of financial survival, with Golden Tax Relief leading the way.
26 Feb, 2024
Taxes are an important part of our lives, and understanding tax liability is essential. Read this blog on what you need to know about tax liability.
14 Feb, 2024
The IRS has launched an extensive crackdown on small business owners across the United States, deploying 30,000 agents to investigate 11.5 million small business owners for potential fraud and misuse of COVID-19 relief funds, particularly from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).
03 Jan, 2024
As a high-income business owner, you must stay on top of your tax game to avoid problems. Explore two tax issues that can trip up high-income businesses.
05 Dec, 2023
As retirees navigate this crucial phase of life, it becomes imperative to strategize effectively to optimize tax savings. Read on for more.
13 Sep, 2023
Tax planning is essential to managing your finances, but you need to distinguish between fact and fiction. Learn about nine common tax planning myths.
16 Aug, 2023
One of the ways to ensure a smooth transition of your wealth to your heirs is to find strategies to reduce inheritance tax. Read on to learn more.
24 Jul, 2023
Here's what every business owner needs to know about separating real estate assets and renting their own business building as a tax strategy.
12 Jun, 2023
Its time for some good news for those S Corp Owners who own more than 2% of your S Corp: there are some good updates when it comes to your health insurance. First things first -- ensure that your health insurance deductions are in order, and avoid the $100-a-day penalties for violating the rules of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). To do this, take the following steps: Get the cost of the health insurance on the S corporation’s books, either by making the premium payments directly or through reimbursement. Ensure that the S corporation includes the health insurance premiums on the owner-employee’s W-2 form, including the additional compensation in box 1 but not in boxes 3 or 5. If you are an owner-employee with more than 2 percent ownership, claim the health insurance deduction as “self-employed health insurance” on line 17 of Schedule 1 of Form 1040. However, there are 2 rules you must meet: not having access to employer-subsidized health insurance and having adequate salary. While the S corporation does not have to provide health insurance benefits for its rank-and-file employees, but if it does, it must use an acceptable ACA plan, such as (among others) the qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangement (QSEHRA) or the individual coverage HRA (ICHRA). Its important to note that the S corporation can reimburse more-than-2-percent owners for individually purchased insurance without any penalties, BUT if it reimburses rank-and-file employees without using the QSEHRA or ICHRA, it faces the $100-a-day penalty per employee. If you are looking to provide health benefits to employees through the S corporation, there are many tax-advantaged options available. If the S corporation provides group health insurance to all employees, including the shareholder-employee, the same rules apply. This, and many other important tax savings strategies could help save you thousands of dollars each year through a qualified tax plan! Call us today at 844-229-8936 to set up an appointment with our certified tax planner and tax coach! Let us put you on the path to savings!
More Posts
Share by: