Self-employed gig meals

[doninla]

If I am a self-employed independent contractor using schedule c, can I deduct meals alone during gigs in another metro area, but where I still come home at night?

[DavidS127 · Accepted solution]

No, you can only deduct 50% of the cost of business-related meals while "traveling away from home".  You are traveling away from home if your duties require you to be away from the general area of your tax home substantially longer than an ordinary day's work. 

See IRS Publication 463 for the rules on meals and other travel expenses.