Client gifts · Accounting
What are good client gifts for accountants and CPA firms?
Client gift ideas for CPA and accounting firms by budget, how the IRS $25 business-gift limit works, what AICPA ethics rules say, and order-by dates.
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Short answer
For accounting clients, pick a useful or shareable gift and keep the logo small. The IRS lets a business deduct no more than $25 per recipient per year for gifts; engraving, packaging and shipping generally don't count toward that.
On this page
Gift types by use
Each row matches a type of gift to who it suits, with the source for the reason. Survey figures are from a vendor survey.
| Best for | Gift type | Why it fits | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small-business owner clients | Shareable gift box for their team | Multi-address shipping and per-gift messages | Packed with Purpose |
| Individual tax clients | Gift at or under the $25 deductible amount, plus card | Only $25 per recipient is deductible | IRS Pub. 463 |
| Client seminars / tax-season mailers | Imprinted items costing $4 or less | Not treated as gifts for the $25 limit if widely distributed | IRS Pub. 463 |
| Clients who prefer to choose | Curated-choice gift | 58% want to pick from a curated list (employee data) | Custom Ink survey |
Frequently asked questions
How much can a business deduct for client gifts?
$25 per recipient per tax year, per IRS Publication 463. Not tax advice.
Does shipping count toward the $25 limit?
Generally no. Pub. 463 says incidental costs such as engraving, packing and shipping aren't included if they don't add substantial value to the gift.
Are logo pens and calendars counted as gifts?
Items costing $4 or less with your name clearly and permanently imprinted, and widely distributed, aren't treated as gifts for the $25 limit (Pub. 463).
Are gift cards to employees taxable?
Yes. IRS Publication 15-B says gift cards are cash equivalents and never excludable as de minimis benefits, however small.
When should accounting firms send client gifts?
Holiday gifts follow our order-by calendar. Many firms also thank clients after tax season, when the gift won't get lost in December mail.
Sources
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