12 Weirdest Tax Deductions That Were Actually Approved
Some tax deductions sound too strange to be true, yet they have been legally approved.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Tax laws can be strict, but sometimes, the loopholes lead to unexpected wins. People have claimed everything from pet food to body oil as deductible expenses—and actually got away with it. These odd yet approved tax write-offs will make you rethink what counts as a legitimate expense. You might even find a few that leave you wondering how they passed the system.
1. Pet Food for a Business Expense
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A junkyard owner deducted the cost of pet food by proving the animals kept rodents away. The IRS approved it since they played a role in protecting business property. That means even feeding stray cats can sometimes count as a tax write-off.
2. Body Oil for Professional Bodybuilders
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A professional bodybuilder managed to deduct the cost of body oil, claiming it was an essential part of competition prep. The IRS approved it since it directly related to their profession. That means looking glossy on stage can actually be a tax write-off.
3. A Swimming Pool for Medical Reasons
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A taxpayer with arthritis successfully deducted the cost of a swimming pool as a medical expense. Since swimming was prescribed as therapy, the IRS approved it. That is probably the most luxurious medical treatment ever written off.
4. Sunglasses as a Tax Deduction
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A lifeguard claimed designer sunglasses as a necessary work expense. The IRS agreed, reasoning that sun protection was essential for their job. Some taxpayers might now wonder if their stylish shades could count, too.
5. Clown Costumes as a Business Expense
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A professional clown successfully deducted costumes and makeup as necessary expenses. The IRS allowed this because the costumes were used exclusively for work. That means even colorful wigs and oversized shoes were tax-deductible.
6. Clarinet Lessons for Dental Health
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A parent deducted clarinet lessons after proving they helped correct their child’s overbite. Since a doctor recommended it, the IRS approved the deduction. Who knew playing an instrument could double as a dental treatment?
7. Wigs For Mental Health
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A taxpayer dealing with medical-related hair loss deducted the cost of wigs as a medical expense. The IRS agreed, considering it essential for emotional well-being. A tax break for boosting confidence is definitely unexpected.
8. A Guard Dog as a Business Deduction
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A business owner deducted the cost of their guard dog, including food and vet bills. The IRS approved it since the dog protected business assets. That is one way to make your pet earn its keep.
9. Cowboy Boots for Work
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A country musician deducted cowboy boots as part of their work uniform. Since they were essential for their performance, the IRS allowed them. That means dressing the part can actually come with a tax benefit.
10. Bicycles as a Commuting Expense
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A taxpayer deducted a bicycle used for work commutes, arguing it was a necessary transportation expense. The IRS accepted it under specific conditions. It’s not a bad way to get a tax break while staying fit.
11. Dance Classes for Health Reasons
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Someone managed to deduct dance classes after proving they helped treat a diagnosed condition. Since it was doctor-recommended, the IRS approved it. A tax-deductible way to learn some moves sounds like a win.
12. A Baby as a Business Expense
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A parent deducted the cost of babysitting after proving it was essential for running a home business. The IRS surprisingly accepted the reasoning. That might be one of the most unexpected ways to lower taxes.