Can I deduct the cost of groceries I purchased for a catering event if I charged the client by the head, and included the grocery cost in that fee?

[smithtristina]

I have a business tax question. I started a personal chef business at the start of this year. I do in-home meal prep and events. For events I charge by the head. I determine this cost based on how much I anticipate for groceries and labor and travel. All my fees are determined purely on speculation, which I know is a weird way to do it, but it works for me, haha. My question is, if I am not directly having the client reimburse me for the groceries, would those groceries then be considered a business expense and be write-offable? (Definitely a word) Let me know your thoughts!

[VolvoGirl]

Yes.  You enter the total income you received and you can then enter all your expenses (even those you were reimbursed for).  So groceries would go under Supplies.