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Deductible Business Expenses

  1. Agency Costs
  2. IRS Publication 463
  3. IRS Publication 535
  4. O & NE

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About IRS Publication 463: Travel, Gift, and Car Expenses

Updated: July 30, 2024

If you travel for business, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has good news for you. The agency recently updated Publication 463, which covers many types of business-related travel expenses. This includes gifts, car expenses, and other transportation costs. 

 With the new publication, the IRS provides clear guidance on what is deductible and what is not. This is helpful for both businesses and individual taxpayers who travel for work to help reduce taxable income.

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    KEY TAKEAWAYS

    • IRS Publication 463 outlines and describes which expenses an individual taxpayer can deduct when it comes to business activities.
    • Deducting these expenses can help reduce your individual taxable income.
    • IRS Publication includes details about which expenses can get deducted and how to do it for travel, gift, and vehicle expenses.

    What Is IRS Publication 463?

    If you are like most people, you dread having to do your taxes. However, understanding the tax laws can help ease the pain, and may even help you get a bigger refund. One of the best resources for learning about the tax laws is IRS Publication 463: Travel, Gift, and Car Expenses. 

    This publication provides an overview of the rules that apply to deducting some basic expenses for travel, gifts, and cars. It includes information on what expenses are deductible, the amount of travel expenses, how to keep track of your expenses, and how to report the amounts of expenses on your tax return. 

    Publication 463 can help you save money on your taxes by ensuring that you take advantage of all the deductions and credits that you are entitled to. It is a valuable resource for both individuals and businesses.

    Turn Tax Pains Into Tax Gains

    How Does IRS Publication 463 Work?

    IRS Publication 463 is a guide that covers some of the most common deductions that taxpayers can take, including expenses related to travel and gift giving. By understanding how these deductions work, you can take advantage of them and get a little bit of relief come tax time. 

    For example, did you know that you can deduct the cost of travel to and from doctor’s appointments? Or that you can deduct the cost of gifts that you give to charity? These are just a couple of the deductions that are available to taxpayers. 

    Publication 463 has six chapters within it. The first four cover all the details and tax rules for various deductions you can take when you travel away from home for business purposes. These include:

    • Transportation expenses (These include costs of traveling by air, train, bus, or car)
    • Gifts expenses
    • Travel Expenses (These include operating and maintaining your car, taxi fares, lodging, business calls)
    • Meal expenses (These include the cost of non-entertainment related meals, tips)
    • Entertainment expenses (These can include entertaining clients at clubs, theaters, and sporting events)

    The fifth chapter in the publication outlines how to keep accurate records for documenting your actual expenses. The final and sixth chapter provides details on how you should report the expenses you incur on your tax return or other tax documents. You can report travel and gift expense deductions as part of the Form 1040.

    It's Time For Owners To Own Tax Season

    What Does IRS Publication 463 Include?

    If you’re planning on doing any travel-related gift giving or car expenses, then you’ll want to consult IRS Publication 463. This publication provides guidelines on what types of expenses are allowed and how to properly document them. Some of the highlights of Publication 463 include: 

    • Travel expenses are only deductible if they are directly related to the active conduct of your business
    • If you are traveling away from home, you can deduct your transportation, lodging, and meal expenses

    You can also deduct other allowable business expenses, such as conference registration fees and business-related car expenses. Keep in mind that Publication 463 is just a guide, but it does provide valuable information for the kinds of expenses you can claim. These can range from ordinary business expenses to excess expenses.

    Where to Get IRS Publication 463?

    If you are looking for IRS Publication 463, you can find it on the IRS website. This publication is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to maximize their deductions for travel and gift expenses. It can help you save money on your taxes and make sure that you are able to deduct all of the eligible expenses that you incur.

    Summary 

    If you regularly incur expenses during travel, IRS Publication 463 will provide valuable information about which travel, gift, or car expenses you can claim as deductions. Claiming business travel expenses will contribute to reducing your taxable income.

    Save 40 Hours During Tax Season

    Sandra Habiger is a Chartered Professional Accountant with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington. Sandra’s areas of focus include advising real estate agents, brokers, and investors. She supports small businesses in growing to their first six figures and beyond. Alongside her accounting practice, Sandra is a Money and Life Coach for women in business.

    Sandra Habinger headshot

    Written by Sandra Habiger, CPA

    Sandra Habiger is a Chartered Professional Accountant with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington. Sandra’s areas of focus include advising real estate agents, brokers, and investors. She supports small businesses in growing to their first six figures and beyond. Alongside her accounting practice, Sandra is a Money and Life Coach for women in business.

    FAQs About IRS Publication 463

    How Do I Prove Vehicle Expenses to the IRS?

    You must keep accurate records and documentation for how many miles were traveled, the destination, and business purposes. Keeping a mileage log can help when it comes to actual expenses.

    What Does the IRS Require for Meal Receipts?

    The itemized meal receipt should have the date of service, the name of the establishment, the amount of tax, and the amount paid for each item.

    How Much Can You Claim on Expenses Without Receipts?

    The IRS requires employers to have employees submit paper expense reports for anything over $75. Supporting documentation is not required for expenses less than $75, with the exception of lodging.

    Deductible Business Expenses

    1. Agency Costs
    2. IRS Publication 463
    3. IRS Publication 535
    4. O & NE

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