The folks over at Accounting Today have discovered some pretty interesting deductions. I would not recommend any of these. All of these deductions are taken from a survey given to the Minnesota Society of CPAs to find the wackiest deductions people have tried to get away with in the past few years.
- Riding Lawnmower – A Real Estate agent claimed he needed this one–not sold.
- Hunting Property – The owner of a sporting goods store misfired with this one.
- Pets – People have tried to claim them as dependents, but no dogs allowed!
- Pop-up camper – Someone tried to claim this as a construction trailer–tents don’t count!
- Graduation Party – Congratulations, but not even though your business contacts may be present at your son or daughter’s event this is not a business expense. You get an F for file correctly!
- Winter coat and snow blower – A crafty new Minnesotan tried to claim these as moving expenses after transplanting from sunnier climes.
- Sturgis – Even if you wear your bike company t-shirt to the biggest ride of all, it’s still not a business expense, drive on.
- Grandchild’s tuition– While it may feel a lot like charity your grandkid’s school bill is not a deduction.
- Cosmetic enhancements– Nip, tuck those right off your forms because most trips to the salon, injectables, tanning and other beautification ops are generally not deductible, though many have tried.
- Chainsaw donation – One client tried to write-off a chainsaw donation to a children’s hospital, clearly going for an incorrect deduction was the least of his missteps.
Joseph T. Martin Income Tax Service 