p19ef9khgnoi0e9hmk333kalv7.jpg

Most Outrageous Tax Deductions of 2015

The Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants recently surveyed its CPA members in public accounting on the most outrageous tax deductions that clients tried to take on their tax returns. Their responses included everything from pets and weddings to cars impounded by the police.

Page through to see the new list, or click here to see the list as a single page. -- Accounting Today

Image: Stock
p19dqlrqp4fiafbo1490son1pee6.jpg

Questionable Dependents

Attempting to claim "Fido" as a dependent is popular amongst clients with pets. One CPA reported a woman tried to claim her unborn child as a dependent.


Image: Shutterstock
p19dqlrqp8u4qsuj15unrld1gs7.jpg

A Daughter's Wedding

Sure, weddings are entertaining. But deducting the full cost as an entertainment expense does not make for a good relationship with the IRS.


Image: Shutterstock
p19dqlrqp8pjr1b47rl11fl49ql8.jpg

The Cost of Speeding Tickets

Even if it's because you were late for a business meeting, speeding tickets are fines and therefore, not deductible on your tax return.


Image: Shutterstock
p19dqlrqp8m7pmufqup37e1fvf9.jpg

Misinterpretations of Charitable Donation

Charity can take on many forms. But for one CPA's client, a vehicle that was impounded by the police was not deemed a qualifying deduction.


Image: Shutterstock
p19dqlrqp975e6si1j501d2k1smha.jpg

Hobbies

The IRS does not allow deductions for hobby expenses. One client learned that when he attempted to take deductions on his horse ranch.


Image: Shutterstock
p19dqlrqp91bb91gio1vj4f2vacb.jpg

Keeping Up Appearances

While some professions may require a certain appearance, the cost of haircuts, plastic surgery, massages and salon expenses are generally not deductible.


Image: Shutterstock
p19dqlrqp918si17d1d4srj6oicc.jpg

Creative Investments

The loss on the sale of a personal house, while unfortunate, does not qualify as an investment by the IRS.


Image: Shutterstock
p19dqlrqpaqblqag10ug1pm61du4d.jpg

Expansive Home Office Expenses

Deductions on a home office are limited to the portion of the home dedicated to the business. Clients have attempted to do more though, from the cost of groceries to the mortgage.


Image: Shutterstock
p19dqlrqpa513qsp5q81jk910die.jpg

Boats

Want smooth sailing on your tax return? Then you should not deduct your boat as a "water computer," as one CPA had to inform their client.


Image: Shutterstock
p19dqlrqpa1pdrgjl4f8cvprvbf.jpg

Hunting Trips Because You "Talk Business"

That weekend of hunting with friends is generally not deductible, no matter how often you talk about your boss.


Image: Shutterstock
MORE FROM FINANCIAL PLANNING