In a small business accounting, If I send lunch to a client, is that a gift or food?

Question

In a small business accounting, If I send lunch to a client, is that a gift or food?

Answer 1

Definitely a gift for the client.  

Answer 2

If you send lunch to them, its a gift. If you have lunch with them, its food.

Answer 3

As far as both federal income tax and general accounting are concerned:

    If you send it to them it is a fully deductible gift.

    If you have a meal with them it is business entertainment and is partially deductible.  (See the instructions for Schedule C for circumstances and percentages.)

Note that your state tax regulations may differ.

Hope this helps

Jerry-the-bookkeeper