Vacation and working

[chelan2]

How much/what can I deduct when working on vacation? And... can I deduct lunch while working away from my usual place of business?

[JasonH24]

If you are a W-2 employee, you can no longer claim a deduction for unreimbursed employee expenses unless you fall into one of the following categories of employment, or have certain qualified educator expenses.

• Armed Forces reservists.

• Qualified performing artists.

• Fee-basis state or local government officials.

• Employees with impairment-related work expenses.

See IRS Publication 529 - https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p529.pdf

If this is your own business you have more opportunities for deductions. For example, paying for Wi-fi in order to connect with the office or customers. See IRS Publication 334 for small business deductions: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p334.pdf.

You may deduct meals provided they are with a current or potential business customer, client, consultant, or
similar business contact. https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p463.pdf