SolvedBIM45055 | Specific deductions: entertainment: sponsorship
From HM Revenue & Customs · Business Income Manual
S45 Income Tax (Trading and Other Income) Act 2005, S1298 Corporation Tax Act 2009
Sporting or cultural events
The costs of sponsoring sporting, cultural or other events for the purpose of business promotion/publicity are not disallowable under the legislation. However, it is common for sponsors of such events to be entitled to a certain number of free tickets, private boxes or other benefits as part of the sponsorship package.
The cost of sponsorship is not allowable in full if the sponsor receives tickets or other benefits. You should normally accept a disallowance equal to the value of the tickets or other benefits received.
In some cases the sponsor may also pay for additional events such as a dinner dance for members of the football club, or a private reception for certain theatre-goers. This will come within the normal definition of entertainment and the cost is disallowed under the legislation.