As a financial advisor, I had an ulterior motive when I had a birthday party for my oldest daughter. I invited my daughter’s friends and their parents. My intentions were to get to know the parents and hopefully help them with their needs for financial services. Is any of this deductible? (K.W., Fremont, Calif.)

No! To deduct the expenses of this birthday party as a business expense, you must establish either that the party was directly related to the active ... Log in to view full article.