It is only when the tax season rolls in, and citizens start filing their taxes that they notice and acknowledge many Internal Revenue Service (IRS) approved credits and deductions. In fact, the tax code allows for the weirdest deductions from citizens filing their taxes. Although most IRS acceptable deductions are only applicable in very specific situations, these bizarre deductions are legal and legit under those specific conditions. While the IRS seems to lack sense in terms of some of the deductions that offer comedic relief, these deductions surely are allowed, and eligible citizens should consider tapping into these weird yet acceptable deductions.
Deductions that sound more like tall tales than tax breaks
Clarinet lessons
For individual taxpayers, the cost of clarinet lessons taken as per the request from a medical professional like an orthodontist can be deducted under the category of medical expenses. A parent has already deducted clarinet lessons for her child from her taxes as an orthodontist recommended these lessons for the child’s overbite problem.
Free beer on offer to boost business
Under the marketing expense category deductions can include giving customers free beer to market and boost the business. In fact, a gas station owner used this technique to market the business and improve sales and was successfully able to claim the free bear as a marketing expense.
Donations of slices of cake and wedding clothes
Charitable donations that are deducted can include sharing left over wedding food and even a wedding gown. With the proper documentation, a bride donated her wedding dress and leftover slices of cake to charity leading to a charitable donation tax deduction.
Ransomware Payments
Any business losses that occur due to cyberattacks can be deducted from taxes. Business owners who have their data unlocked by hackers can experience somewhat of a silver lining tax time.
Native American’s whaling vessel repairs
A rather crazy deduction that is application to Native American tribe members is that of whaling boat repairs. The cap for this deduction is $10,000 per year provided that the member of the tribe is federally recognized and allowed to conduct subsistence whaling.
Medical deductions that are noteworthy
Building a swimming pool to provide Arthritis Relief
Although most citizens might not be deemed eligible for this deduction, a man battling with arthritis deducted from his tax the cost of installing a pool in his backyard as the doctor prescribed swimming as a form of arthritis therapy. This deduction is allowed by the IRS provided it is accompanied by the necessary documentation.
Learning disability expenses
The cost of hiring a specialized tutor for a child with a learning disability can be deducted by parents. If recommended by a doctor, parents can deduct the tutorial expenses for a child with dyscalculia or dyslexia from their taxes.
Work-inspired cosmetic surgery
Although strange, cosmetic surgery that is done for work-related purposes can be deducted too. An exotic dancer deducted breast implants from her taxes stating that it was linked to a stage costume and the court agreed that was a necessary business expense. With the November 3 tax deadline, citizens who still need to file should consider all possible deductions well.
Few more weird deductions that pay off
Guard dog related expenses
Despite the fact that ordinary dogs don’t make the tax cut, a legitimate guard dog used to protect a business or a certified service animal for people living with disabilities can reduce taxes. Guard dog expenses such as food and vet care can be deducted when accompanied by documentation.
Bodybuilder’s body oil
Certain niche-related expenses also make the cut including that of body oil used by body builders to highlight muscle tone during competitions. Body oil can fall under the category of work-related expenses and can be deducted from tax.
Takeaways from tax deductions
Most taxpayers will be expected to provide the needed documentation related to expenses classified as medical needs or charitable activities. Citizens who are unsure of what makes the cut as a tax deduction can liaise with a professional tax consultant. These IRS deductions are hilarious but it’s not funny when your tax returns get selected for a tax audit due to weird deductions flagging up on the IRS’s system.
