SCH E - Enterprise Meals

[Russelee]

Sch E filer, qualified as an Enterprise, Meals, Occupation

I have been filing SCH E for 20 years. I have always managed every aspect of the rentals myself.  I left my company job in 2021. In 2022 I did not have w-2 wages. I have always tracked my hours invested per rental. In 2021 I did report my rentals as an Enterprise to qualify for the QBI deduction. My husband (retired) and I do the majority of repairs (plumbing, electrical, landscaping etc...) ourselves. Saving thousands on repair costs. Is there ANY scenario where we can write of any restaurant meals from 2022 on SCH E when we are working on major projects, or planning the next day project schedule, or completed projects too late to go home, unload, and prepare a meal? These are meals directly related to the rental, that are now considered an Enterprise due to the sheer amount of time and effort spent on activities.

Additionally, if all my time is now spent on rentals and I change my occupation to "Rental Manager", after it has been "Accountant" for 20+ years, do I have to move to a SCH C?  Thank you

[Anonymous_ · Accepted solution]

You would not enter your rental real estate expenses on Schedule C unless you are a real estate dealer or provide substantial services to your renters (such as daily maid service, meals, and the like).

You may be able to deduct 50% of the cost of meals (reasonableness is the test) provided you are traveling away from home exclusively for the purposes of repairing or maintaining your rental property.