
Membership of the local golf club would normally not be a business-related expense, as this would usually be a personal membership, and any business-related benefit from the subscription would be incidental. The main purpose of the golf club membership would be to play golf and to use the facilities personally.
Full Answer
Is a golf club membership a necessary business expense?
A necessary expense is one that is helpful and appropriate for your business. The expense must be directly related to conducting business. Golf club memberships are generally not directly related to conducting business. Additional requirements must be met to be able to substantiate this deduction.
What is the purpose of a golf club membership?
The main purpose of the golf club membership would be to play golf and to use the facilities personally. If such subscriptions were taken out by a limited company, then there would be P11D benefit-in-kind charge and a Class 1a National Insurance charge.
Can I deduct my golf expenses as a corporate employee?
The CRA ruling in regards to this is as follows: If you can PROVE to the CRA that the primary beneficiary of the incurred golf expense is the corporation and not yourself, you can deduct it (in this case, there will also be NO taxable benefit to you – the corporate employee) The CRA is very strict on this matter.
Can a member reclaim golf club fees not yet received?
The member has no right to reclaim such payments in any circumstances. I would not be recognising fees not yet received, as these could turn out to be bad debts. Other golf clubs have different policies.

Can you deduct golf expenses?
If you can PROVE to the CRA that the primary beneficiary of the incurred golf expense is the corporation and not yourself, you can deduct it (in this case, there will also be NO taxable benefit to you – the corporate employee) The deduction MUST be made by the corporation.
Can you deduct golf memberships on your taxes?
Generally speaking, golf dues and related memberships paid are not deductible for tax purposes. There is 1 major exception: A deduction is allowed if you are an incorporated professional sports agent. The CRA ruling in regards to this is as follows:
Who is Allan Madan?
Allan Madan is a CPA, CA and the founder of Madan Chartered Accountant Professional Corporation. Allan provides valuable tax planning, accounting and income tax preparation services in the Greater Toronto Area.
When to have a business discussion on golf course?
Your business discussion can take place directly before or after hitting the golf course, but it must occur reasonably close in time to the business-setting business discussion. This is an ideal time to do your business discussions over breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Can you use non business setting discussion on golf course?
Even if you actually are talking business while playing, you likely cannot use that nonbusiness-setting discussion to qualify your entertainment expenses. But, there is a simple solution.
Can you deduct golf fees?
With regard to golf, you can deduct golf green fees, guest fees, cart fees, caddies, tees, balls & gloves, beverages, snacks, breakfast, lunch or dinner. And, you can deduct your own costs, even if you go Dutch & pay only for yourself.
What was the accountant involved in the networking group?
The accountant involved said the client was adamant that there was no personal benefit from this , despite the fact that he was a keen golfer. The client had explained to the accountant that the networking group membership was limited to those in business or for those who held senior management roles in large businesses.
What is the purpose of a golf club membership?
The main purpose of the golf club membership would be to play golf and to use the facilities personally. If such subscriptions were taken out by a limited company, then there would be P11D benefit-in-kind charge and a Class 1a National Insurance charge.
Is a golf club membership a business expense?
Membership of the local golf club would normally not be a business-related expense, as this would usually be a personal membership, and any business-related benefit from the subscription would be incidental. The main purpose of the golf club membership would be to play golf and to use the facilities personally.
What is membership dues?
Membership dues are regular payments made by members of an association. The dues represent the cost of being a member of the association, and are used to fund activities carried out by the organisation. Membership dues are distinct from membership fees which tend to be one off payments.
What does the credit to the income statement for membership income increase?
The credit to the income statement for the membership income increases the net income , which increases the retained earnings, and therefore the owners equity in the business. Last modified January 13th, 2020 by Michael Brown.
What is double entry bookkeeping?
The double entry bookkeeping for membership dues paid in advance is similar to other forms of income. For example, if a member pays an annual membership renewal of 1,200 in cash then the bookkeeping entry would as follows: Annual membership dues paid in advance.
