Claiming Food Expenses

[Leigh]

For 2016, I would like to claim actual expenses for food (it's a LOT). How do I do this? How would the IRS know whether the food was for daycare or not? I'm worried about an audit and my expenses not being allowed. About 75% of our food costs are daycare related. I THINK that I'd do better claiming this way, but have no idea how to go about doing it. I have heard that I must keep daycare and personal food receipts separate, but is that all I must do? I think it would be a pain to do, since I have all of my food delivered, but I COULD do that.

[Thriftylady]

In order to claim actual expenses you pretty much have to have all the receipts for both. That way you can show the IRS your "home" receipts. Otherwise in an audit, they could kick out your whole food claim.

[Blackcat31]

For 2016, I would like to claim actual expenses for food (it's a LOT). How do I do this? How would the IRS know whether the food was for daycare or not? I'm worried about an audit and my expenses not being allowed. About 75% of our food costs are daycare related. I THINK that I'd do better claiming this way, but have no idea how to go about doing it. I have heard that I must keep daycare and personal food receipts separate, but is that all I must do? I think it would be a pain to do, since I have all of my food delivered, but I COULD do that.

You claim the standard meal reimbursement rates x the number of kids/meals served I believe.

I found this (the rates are NOT correct) but it does a good job of explaining how you should claim. I think

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-03-22.pdf

[Thriftylady]

You claim the standard meal reimbursement rates x the number of kids/meals served I believe.

I found this (the rates are NOT correct) but it does a good job of explaining how you should claim. I think

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-03-22.pdf

The new rates are out. I think Tom posted them let me see if I can find them. That is what I am using.


Standard Meal Allowance Rates for 2015 income tax returns
(in the continental U.S.)

$1.31 for each breakfast
$2.47 for each lunch or supper
$0.73 for each snack
(up to 3 snacks per day for each child)

[Blackcat31]

The new rates are out. I think Tom posted them let me see if I can find them. That is what I am using.

I know the rates (http://tomcopelandblog.com/2015-2016...ates-announced) I was just pointing out the rates listed in the IRS link I posted were incorrect.

[Thriftylady]

I know the rates (http://tomcopelandblog.com/2015-2016...ates-announced) I was just pointing out the rates listed in the IRS link I posted were incorrect.

I figured you knew the rates! I just thought it might be easier for OP that way.