Can I use my MeetUp group as a write off?

I'm starting a singles group in my area, On MeetUp. If I call it, "Singles and Mystery Shoppers" can I use it as a write off?

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Are you serious?

Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel

Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.

I was just researching this. If the MeetUp group is used to improve your business, it is a write off. It doesn't have to be necessary for your business, it just has to be used to improve your business.

Good luck explaining how this would improve your MS business.

Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel

Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.

Another way of looking at this, I'm single and many shops require couples. As part of the meeting, you're looking for someone to share the work.

Good grief. Does it cost anything to start a group?

I find many people believe a tax write off is worth more than it is. You can only use expenses to reduce your income and not the tax that is due. So any expenses that are legitimate write offs will only reduce your taxes by your tax bracket which is generally 15 to 25 %. A tax write off is not a tax credit. I would not want to increase the chance of an audit for such a small benefit.

So it seems to me your line of thinking would also include writing off the expense every time you walked into a bar or fees for a dating app. Why not write off your entire wedding that results in having a ready made dinner date for mystery shops. Good luck explaining if you get audited.

Yes, meetup groups have an annual fee.

@ceasesmith wrote:

Good grief. Does it cost anything to start a group?

Thanks. I didn't know.

@johnb974 wrote:

I'm starting a singles group in my area, On MeetUp. If I call it, "Singles and Mystery Shoppers" can I use it as a write off?

John, what are you trying to accomplish?

Are you searching for a dining companion for the shops that require an additional guest? If so, try posting a notice at your local recreation center, HOA club house, Nextdoor app, senior rec center, church senior groups that don't require membership, etc... I've heard of seniors who use an expired Costco card just to get in for the free samples and have something to do. There are people out there who would gladly accompany you to lunch or dinner. It shouldn't cost you to find companions.

Or are you looking to meet a group of single individuals and share your knowledge (and job prospects) with these people?

Sorry, but I do not need any more competitors in my shop areas.

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Can I use my MeetUp group as a write off?

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