What expense category is Grubhub?
Grubhub is a leading U.S. online and mobile food delivery and ordering platform connecting businesses and consumers with 415,000+ restaurant partners across 4,000+ cities for takeout and delivery.
Based in Chicago, Illinois, Grubhub is one of the largest food delivery marketplaces in the United States, connecting diners with local restaurants for delivery and takeout via its website and mobile app. It offers multiple delivery models — Grubhub Delivery (using Grubhub's driver fleet), Self-Delivery, Supplemental Delivery, and Grubhub Direct (commission-free branded ordering). For businesses, Grubhub charges typically represent team meal orders, working lunches, or office food delivery. Its per-transaction commission-based pricing starts as low as 5% for marketing. Over 85% of independent restaurant partners report increased takeout and delivery volume. Grubhub charges are subject to the 50% meal deduction limitation under IRC §274.
How businesses classify Grubhub
Tax details
- Grubhub orders for the office or team meals are subject to the 50% meal deduction limitation under IRC §274 — only half the expense is deductible regardless of business purpose.
- Log the business purpose, employee headcount, and occasion (e.g., 'team working lunch, Q3 planning') for each Grubhub order to substantiate the deduction.
- Grubhub delivery fees and tips paid through the platform are part of the meal expense and also subject to the 50% limitation — do not separate them for a higher deduction.
- If your company uses Grubhub Corporate Accounts for recurring team meals, review monthly statements and ensure all orders have documented business purposes before year-end.
- Grubhub charges for meals provided as a de minimis employee benefit (e.g., occasional free lunch days) may have been 100% deductible prior to 2018, but under TCJA are now 50% deductible through 2025 and non-deductible after — plan accordingly.
Business insights
Related expenses
For illustrative purposes only. Results shown are estimates and not guarantees. Based on internal metrics. Past performance does not guarantee future results, which may vary.