Entertainment Tax Tips: Business Expenses

Cable TV, Movies and Theatre tickets

Internal Revenue Code section 274 places strict limits on deductions for items which are “generally considered to constitute amusement, entertainment, or recreation.” Such items are thus deductible only where there is a clear tie to particular work.

Appearance and Image

Taxpayers in the entertainment industry sometimes may incur expenses to maintain an image. These expenses are frequently related to the individual’s appearance in the form of clothing, make-up, and physical fitness. Other expenses in this area include bodyguards and limousines. These are generally found to be personal expenses as the inherently personal nature of the expense and the personal benefit far outweigh any potential business benefit.

No deduction is allowed for wardrobe, general make-up, or hair styles for auditions, job interviews, or “to maintain an image”.