Thoughtful business gifts are a great way to show appreciation to customers and employees. They can also deliver tax benefits when handled correctly. Unfortunately, the IRS limits most business gift deductions to $25 per person per year, a cap that hasn’t changed since 1962. Still, with careful planning and good recordkeeping, you may be able to maximize your deductions.
When the $25 rule doesn’t apply
Several exceptions to the $25-per-person rule can help you deduct more of your gift expenses:
Gifts to businesses. The $25 limit applies only to gifts made directly or indirectly to an individual. Gifts given to a company for use in its business — such as an industry reference book or office equipment — are fully deductible because they serve a business purpose. However, if the gift primarily benefits a specific individual at that company, the $25 limit applies.
Gifts to married couples. When both spouses have a business relationship with you and the gift is for both of them, the limit generally doubles to $50.
Incidental costs. The expenses of personalizing, packaging, insuring or mailing a gift don’t count toward the $25 limit and are fully deductible.
Employee gifts. Cash or cash-equivalent gifts (such as gift cards) are treated as taxable wages and generally are deductible as compensation. However, noncash, low-cost items — like company-branded merchandise, small holiday gifts, or occasional meals and parties — can qualify as nontaxable “de minimis” fringe benefits. These are deductible to the business and tax-free to the employee.