You cannot deduct personal expenses when on a business trip.

Hi.

I'm a business owner online retailer.

Is it possible to deduct expenses like gas mileage, meals, etc on Saturdays and Sundays if I'm conducting business in the US?

For example, I travel from New York to California for business meetings on Friday and Monday. Can I deduct my weekend expenses in between? If the answer is yes, then I have 2 concerns: 1. If I wanted to go to the park or zoo on Saturday of my business trip, may I deduct my parking fees and meals at the park/zoo? 2. May I deduct all the mileage for that weekend, even though I'm not conducting any business (such as driving from the hotel, to the zoo, to a restaurant, and back to the hotel)?

Thanks!
Jamie
El Paso Texas


Dear Jamie,

If I understand you correctly, then you travel from NY to California on Friday for a Friday business meeting. You stay in California for the weekend in order to attend a business meeting on Monday. On Monday you return to NY.

If that is so you may deduct the cost of getting to and from CA. All the meals and lodging while traveling to and from, and while in CA, are business expenses and deductible. You may not deduct any personal expenses such as costs to attend or get to the Zoo or a show.

There's more info on travel expenses in these posts expenses -- travel (14) .

Best,
June