I think you are asking the wrong people. It doesn't matter what we think. The re-imbursable expense account was set up by your employer and they are the ones you should be asking. Since most companys have a very detailed list of allowed re-imbursible expenses in their employee handbook, I would look there first so you don't look foolish asking a question they would think you already should know the answer to.
You are not asking about whether something is deductible by the IRS. You are asking if it is a ligitimate business expense that your employer will allow you to be re-imbursed for. In some ways it can be. For example: Christmas gifts purchased for employees under you on behalf of the "company" NOT on behalf of you. Is work going to allow you to get sweet on your secretary and pay for your dating expenses???? LOL probably not a good move.
Remember people higher up the feed chain in your company are watching what you are doing. If you feel comfortable sending in those items on your reimbursables with prior approval (I hope in writing) then go for it. Your common business sense or lack of discretion will only affect you and your ability to continue to work for them…. but the secretary gets to keep the gifts. : ) Only your neck is hanging on the chopping block.
oooh—gifts are tricky. most businesses frown on giving gifts, simply b/c the line is too vague.
if you claim it as an expense, your secretary will have to claim it on his/her income.
i think…not sure
7 Responses for "Are gifts for a secretary considered to be legitimate reimbursable expenses?"
I think you are asking the wrong people. It doesn't matter what we think. The re-imbursable expense account was set up by your employer and they are the ones you should be asking. Since most companys have a very detailed list of allowed re-imbursible expenses in their employee handbook, I would look there first so you don't look foolish asking a question they would think you already should know the answer to.
You are not asking about whether something is deductible by the IRS. You are asking if it is a ligitimate business expense that your employer will allow you to be re-imbursed for. In some ways it can be. For example: Christmas gifts purchased for employees under you on behalf of the "company" NOT on behalf of you. Is work going to allow you to get sweet on your secretary and pay for your dating expenses???? LOL probably not a good move.
Remember people higher up the feed chain in your company are watching what you are doing. If you feel comfortable sending in those items on your reimbursables with prior approval (I hope in writing) then go for it. Your common business sense or lack of discretion will only affect you and your ability to continue to work for them…. but the secretary gets to keep the gifts. : ) Only your neck is hanging on the chopping block.
Nope.
why should it?
are you that cheap?
why don't you make your secratary reimburse you?
oooh—gifts are tricky. most businesses frown on giving gifts, simply b/c the line is too vague.
if you claim it as an expense, your secretary will have to claim it on his/her income.
i think…not sure
Depends on how "personal" the gift is and your company policy. Flowers on secretaries day would be ok but lingerie would not.
Your company makes those rules. My advice is to pay for the expense yourself. Even if the company allows it, I find the very idea distasteful.
Gifts are gifts
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