News outlets far and wide are singing the praises of the many ways that Trump’s tax cut will help small businesses. But one overlooked downside to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is Section 3307, the elimination of the 50% deduction for business-related entertainment.
Business owners will no longer be able to deduct expenses for any “activity generally considered to be entertainment, amusement or recreation.” This includes the costs of sporting events, concerts, plays and other ways that businesses commonly choose to entertain clients or reward employees.
Industries that often secure deals by wooing clients – such as finance, investment, and lobbying firms – are expected to feel the most impact, and will likely reduce entertainment-related spending this year.
Employees may also see a reduction in benefits, as the tax act is putting the squeeze on the ability to write off employee perks. Employers will no longer be able to deduct payment of membership dues, nor will they receive credits for providing employees with childcare (Sec. 3402) or on-premises parking (Sec. 3308) and athletic facilities (Sec. 3308). The 100% deduction for meals provided to employees is also being reduced to just 50%.
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