We noticed these recent items regarding the U.S. IRS denial of a 100% deduction by the NHL Boston Bruins hockey club in respect of the team's provision of meals to employees during road trips.

In Canada, section 67.1 of the Income Tax Act limits the deduction of meals and entertainment to 50% of the lesser of the actual cost or a reasonable amount. There are several exceptions to this general rule (see subsection 67.1(2)), including exceptions for meals provided in the ordinary course of a business of providing meals and entertainment for compensation, fund-raising events, meal costs billed directly to a client, meals provided to employees at remote work locations, or holiday parties. If an exception applies, the taxpayer may deduct 100% of the cost.

We are reminded of the Canadian case of Pink Elephant Inc. v. The Queen (2011 TCC 396), in which the taxpayer was successful in establishing that the exception for meals provided in the course of a business of providing meals for compensation applied in respect of the taxpayer's provision of meals during its information technology training seminars.

For more information, visit our Canadian Tax Litigation blog at www.canadiantaxlitigation.com

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