Can I claim food and coffee if I work from a cafe in Australia?

Generally, **NO**. The ATO views food and drink consumed during a normal working day as a 'private and domestic expense', even if you are working from a cafe or doing business meetings there. The cost of the coffee/meal is not deductible, and it is considered 'entertainment' if you buy it for a client. However, you may be able to claim a deduction for **travel** to the cafe if it's a meeting with a client, but the food itself remains non-deductible. The only exception is if you are travelling overnight for business, in which case your meals are a deductible travel expense.

• Daily coffee and lunch is NOT deductible
• Even if working from a cafe, food is a private cost
• Cafe meetings with clients are 'entertainment' (non-deductible)
• Travel to a client meeting AT a cafe may be deductible
• Overnight travel meals ARE allowed