Does the simplified flat rate for meals already reflect the 50% deduction?

Question

In Canadian taxes for the self employed, they offer a simplified method for meal deductions with a flat rate per meal and/or a max per day.  Do the amounts mentioned already factor in the 50% you're actually allowed to deduct?  Ie. if the flat rate is $23 per meal, do you deduct 23 or is the allowable deduction 11.50?  I can't find this specified anywhere.

Vicky · Answer

This link makes it pretty clear for individuals: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/deductions-credits-expenses/line-229-other-employment-expenses/transportation-employees/meals-lodging-including-showers.html that you can deduct 50% of the flat rate of $23, ie $11.50.
This link which I think applies to your situation https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/sole-proprietorships-partnerships/business-expenses.html#mealsandentertainmentallowablepartonly is slightly less clear but implies the same thing.

Does the simplified flat rate for meals already reflect the 50% deduction?

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