Usually not claimable
Can I claim coffee with client on tax?
Client coffees and meals are usually treated as entertainment and are generally not deductible in most cases.
General guidance for Australian tax deductions only, not personal tax advice.
Free deduction review
See the work deduction areas worth checking
Open a ready-to-use review now to spot other areas relevant to your work and the records worth gathering. No sign-up, payment, job title or income is needed to begin.
See my work deduction areasWhen coffee with client may be claimable
- Limited edge cases may apply depending on business context and tax treatment.
When it is usually not claimable
- General client entertainment is usually not deductible for income tax purposes.
Records to keep
- Receipt
- Clear tax treatment advice if claiming
Quick answer
Usually not claimable. Whether you can claim coffee with client usually comes down to work-related use, whether you paid for it yourself, whether any private portion is excluded, and whether you can support the claim with records.
Verify with current ATO guidance
ATO: Occupation and industry specific guidesATO: Records you need to keepATO: Work-related deductions
Deductly guide last reviewed: 2026-04-16