Summer Expenses vs Business Deductions: The Survival Guide
Or how to avoid explaining to your accountant why that mojito in Santorini is a “professional expense”
Summer. Sun, sea, and… the eternal question of every entrepreneur: “Can I claim this expense for my business?”
This year, Stelios from Athens decided to vacation in Mykonos. What did he bring along? A bag full of receipts and the hope that he could somehow transform his vacation into… a business trip. Spoiler alert: He didn’t succeed, and now he’s facing an epic conversation with his accountant.
What can (actually) be claimed as a business expense?
✅ The Summer “YES” List:
Business meetings with an ocean view? Fine, but they need to be genuine business meetings. If you met with a client at a beach bar to close a deal, you can claim the cost. But not the 15 cocktails you had afterward to celebrate.
Hotel for a business trip? Absolutely! But the suite with a private pool for “better concentration” is pushing it a bit far, Stelios.
Transportation to business meetings? Yes, even if the meeting is on a Greek island. That private helicopter though… you’ll need some serious justification.
Meals with clients/partners? Definitely! But keep notes about who was there and what you discussed. “Discussion about business expansion” sounds better than “talked about reality TV shows.”
❌ The “NO” List That Hurts:
Family vacations - Unfortunately, answering emails from the beach doesn’t make your hotel a business expense.
Sunscreen - Unless you own beachfront stores or work outdoors professionally.
Afternoon drinks - “Networking” at the beach bar isn’t a valid excuse, even if you learned a lot about the bartender’s life story.
How Not to Be Like Stelios
1. Keep receipts with purpose Don’t collect random papers. If it’s not business-related, don’t keep it.
2. Write notes “Dinner with John about the Athens project” is gold. “Dinner” is just paper.
3. Don’t overdo it Tax authorities have a sense of humor, but not as much as you think.
4. Ask first If you’re unsure, call your accountant. It’s easier than explaining later.
The Golden Rule
The secret isn’t finding ways to “game” the system. It’s making genuine business moves that happen to occur during summer. Yes, you can combine work and pleasure - but it needs to be actual work.
And remember: The best way to enjoy your vacation is not worrying about whether you’ll have problems with your accountant in September.
At the end of the day, organizing your expenses doesn’t need to be more complicated than finding a beach chair in Mykonos in August. If you want to make your life easier (and less stressful), there are tools that can help you keep your expenses organized - even when you’re on the other side of the country with a frappé in hand. 😉
Have a great summer - and happy (legal) spending! 🏖️