Can we write off meals on a frequent basis?

[CCCBuilder]

My partner and I own an LLC in carpentry.  I was reading that we can deduct 50% of our meal costs as long as the meal is work related.  Well, sometimes we go out to eat together for our lunches during the workday and discuss work while eating lunch (normally what we have to do next, or how to, etc.) it's just a good time to catch up on things and still be productive while eating a meal versus each of us going our own way during lunch.  I would like to buy our lunch and put it on the company card, but if we can only claim 50% of the expense, how does this work?  In the eyes of the IRS is this what they intend, or am I missing some key component?

[Anonymous_]

---

@CCCBuilder wrote:

In the eyes of the IRS is this what they intend, or am I missing some key component?

---

You are missing a potential (or current) business customer, client, consultant or similar contact (see number 4 in the list below).

Under this notice, taxpayers may deduct 50 percent of an otherwise allowable business meal expense if:

1. The expense is an ordinary and necessary expense under § 162(a) paid or incurred during the taxable year in carrying on any trade or business;

2. The expense is not lavish or extravagant under the circumstances;

3. The taxpayer, or an employee of the taxpayer, is present at the furnishing of the food or beverages;

4. The food and beverages are provided to a current or potential business customer, client, consultant, or similar business contact; and

5. In the case of food and beverages provided during or at an entertainment activity, the food and beverages are purchased separately from the entertainment, or the cost of the food and beverages is stated separately from the cost of the entertainment on one or more bills, invoices, or receipts. The entertainment disallowance rule may not be circumvented through inflating the amount charged for food and beverages.

See https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-18-76.pdf