Deducting meal expenses for tax purposes?

TurboTax says you can deduct 50% of your meal expenses as long as they are business related, i.e. you have meals with your business partners and/or are conducting business while having a meal. Considering most of us eat lunch at your desk while working, would this qualify for a deduction?

Here is exactly what TurboTax says:

These expenses must be documented expenses common to your business and necessary for your work.

You may deduct 50% of meal expenses if: - You conducted business during the meal, and expected to earn specific business benefits, or - The meal occurred in association with your business, and preceded or followed a business discussion.

You may keep track of each expense, or use a standard allowance to report all of them.

See: - IRS Publication 463 for more information on standard allowances

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