"Subject to DOT Hours of Service Limit" (TaxAct Question)

[Lyss]

I thought I pretty much had this figured out (I think) but when I entered my meals this appears below:

"subject to DOT hours of service limit:"
OR
"not subject to limit (Click on IRS Form Instructions)"

Apparently I'm supposed to check one or the other but even after reading (and re-reading) through the IRS instructions I still have no idea what this is or what I'm supposed to do.

Any advice?

[Angelsj]

You are likely in the "meals" area that means YOU. This is for businesses where you might take a client out for a meal, or you need to eat out because you are on a business trip. If you are trying to take kid meals you don't want that space, as it is limited to a certain percentage.

I just put the meals for the kids on the area where you put the extra stuff, and label it kids meals or child food or similar. You can then take the total allowable, either based on the standard meal rate or the actual cost.

[Lyss]

You are likely in the "meals" area that means YOU. This is for businesses where you might take a client out for a meal, or you need to eat out because you are on a business trip. If you are trying to take kid meals you don't want that space, as it is limited to a certain percentage.

I just put the meals for the kids on the area where you put the extra stuff, and label it kids meals or child food or similar. You can then take the total allowable, either based on the standard meal rate or the actual cost.

Oh yes! I am! Thanks! I've done it with TurboTax but taxACT is different and it's throwing me off. I think i'm just gonna do it paper or go back to turbo tax.

[TomCopeland]

Meals

DOT means Department of Transportation. If you work for them the rules about claiming meals you eat away from home on business are different than everyone else.

You should not be entering the cost of food served to day care children under the "meals" category in tax software or on this line on your tax return. "Meals" are those meals you eat away from home. Claim the food for children (using either the standard meal allowance or the actual food cost method) on the back of Schedule C, under "food" (create this category).