Are meal reimbursements taxable?

If the company reimburses you for a meal while working late at the office, it is required to include that reimbursement as taxable income on your W-2 at the end of the year in the appropriate location on the form. If you are unsure of how the reimbursement is treated or whether your company operates under the accountable or non-accountable plan, ask your employer.

The IRS defines a non-accountable plan as one in which the expense allowance arrangement or employee business reimbursements do not meet one or more of the three rules listed under Accountable Plans. Items that would fall under this category include reimbursement for non-deductible employer-related business expenses, such as a meal reimbursement while working late at the office.