Attending conventions, conferences, and seminars can be a great way to grow your business, connect with peers, and stay ahead of industry trends. But when it comes to tax deductions, not all events are created equal. The IRS has specific rules about what qualifies—and what doesn’t.
Here’s a quick guide to help ensure your business trip doesn’t turn into a tax-time headache.
Know Your Event Type: The Three Categories
The IRS breaks down conventions and seminars into three main categories, each with its own tax treatment:
1. North American Events
These are the most straightforward to deduct. If the event is held in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, or other places covered by IRS-approved agreements (yes, even Puerto Rico and Jamaica can qualify), and it benefits your business, you’re generally in the clear.
2. Foreign Events
If your seminar is hosted outside the North American region, you’ll need to meet a higher bar. To qualify:
The event must be directly related to your business.
It must be just as reasonable to hold the event abroad as in North America.
In other words, if the only reason the conference is in Paris is for the view, it probably won’t pass IRS scrutiny—unless you’re meeting with an international audience and have solid business justification.
3. Cruise Ship Seminars
These come with the tightest restrictions. To deduct:
The cruise must be on a U.S.-flagged ship.
All ports of call must be in the U.S. or U.S. territories.
You're capped at a $2,000 deduction per year.
You’ll need to attach detailed statements from both yourself and the event organizer to your tax return.
Don't Skip Documenting It
No matter how your business is structured, proper documentation is critical.
Sole proprietors: Deduct eligible expenses directly on your Schedule C.
Corporation owners: Either pay for the event through your business or submit an expense report for reimbursement. In both cases, keep detailed records in the corporate files.
Make sure to hold on to receipts, registration confirmations, agendas, and notes that show the event’s relevance to your business. Scan them and file them if you have a paperless system in place. Read more here on best practices.
What Can You Deduct?
If the event meets IRS qualifications, you can typically deduct:
Registration or ticket costs
Transportation to and from the event
Lodging and meals (within per diem guidelines)
But remember—only if it qualifies. If the trip is more vacation than vocation, the deduction might not fly.
Next Steps
Need help? We're here. The rules can be complex, but with the right planning and advice, conventions and seminars can be a smart—and deductible—investment in your business. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to the team at TrueBlaze.