Is a Flu Shot Good for Your Business?

I got my flu shot yesterday and I’m writing it off as a business expense.  I wasn’t going to get one.  I’m reasonably healthy (knock on wood) and I’m not in any of the target groups susceptible to the flu, so I wasn’t going to bother.  What I didn’t know, was that without a flu shot I could be a carrier and infect other people with the flu.  In my business I meet with hundreds of people during the height of flu season.  I don’t want to be responsible for getting any of my clients or their family members sick.

But writing it off as a business expense?  That might seem like a leap, but it’s really not.  Every year when I’m preparing other people’s taxes, I write off all types of vaccinations for health care providers because it’s an ordinary and necessary part of their jobs.  I write off hepatitis vaccinations for people in the food industry because it’s an ordinary and necessary cost of working with food.

The key phrase here is “ordinary and necessary.”  It’s a term the IRS uses a lot in their small business publications.   I honestly believe that protecting my clients from a potential life threatening illness is an ordinary and necessary part of my business.  If you work with people, especially if you deal with senior citizens or children,  protecting them is indeed ordinary and necessary.   Therefore, in my professional opinion, a flu shot is a legitimate business expense.

One final thing, much to my surprise — it didn’t hurt!

4 thoughts on “Is a Flu Shot Good for Your Business?

  1. We are so glad that you were able to take advantage of Foundation Care’s flu shot service last night. For those that are interested in getting a flu shot as well, Foundation Care Pharmacy will be offering them at the St. Charles Oktoberfest event this Saturday, Sept. 25th, from 10am to 4pm for $25. Come spend a great afternoon at the festival and take advantage of the flu shot opportunity for tax purposes! 🙂

    Also, you may stop by our pharmacy in Earth City anytime M-F between 8am to 6pm. Contact us at 314-291-1122 for more information. Our address is 4010 Wedgeway Court, Earth City, MO 63045.

    We hope to help keep everyone healthy this flu season!
    Visit http://www.FoundCare.com for more information or find us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

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