It's a tricky thing: Suppose you volunteer to run the phones for your local NPR funding drive. While you're there, they provide you with breakfast. Will it make

It's a tricky thing: Suppose you volunteer to run the phones for your local NPR funding drive. While you're there, they provide you with breakfast. Will it make our country better to tax the free food? Food at work makes work more efficient. It may be a perk, but it's less portable than getting paid the street value of whatever food is provided. You can't take it with you, or use that food to earn interest, nor can you get it if you're not at work. You don't get to pick what food gets served or how much it costs, nor can you refuse it in lieu of cash. There are valid arguments for taxing perks, but it's a tricky issue.