Some of the Most Amazing Tax Deductions Ever

At GROCO, we have been doing this for more than 50 years. That means we’ve heard just about every crazy tax story you can imagine. With tax season now officially in full swing we thought we would share some of the craziest tax deduction stories we’ve ever heard; and they’re all true.
A gas station owner gave away free beer at his gas station. At tax time he put all the expense for the beer on his tax return as a business expense. He told the IRS he was trying to entice new customers to pull in and fill up, which was actually a way to promote his business. The IRS agreed.
A couple managing some rental properties decided that they didn’t have enough time to drive around a mountain pass to visit all their homes. The couple decided to buy a private jet instead, so they could see their homes much quicker. They said it should be allowed as a deduction because it saved them so much time. The IRS agreed with them and said it should be allowed as a normal, ordinary and necessary business expense.
Another couple, which owned a junkyard bought a large supply of cat food and then claimed the purchase as a deduction. They said they needed to use the food to attract stray cats. Why, because they needed the cats to keep the rat and snake populations under control.
The best part about all of these stories is that they really happened and the IRS really let these people take these crazy deductions. There’s no question that these taxpayers knew how to milk the system. Want to hear some more crazy tax deduction tales? Just click here.
Where Do Californians Stand On Taxes?
Where Do Californians Stand On Taxes? California’s high ranking on the tax meter is well documented. The state is among the highest in the nation for both income taxes and business taxes. It ranks high in several other tax categories as well, including sales tax, property tax and even the gas tax. The Golden State…
Why Do California’s Tax Problems Continue?
Why Do California’s Tax Problems Continue? It’s the classic adage made famous from the movie Robin Hood: “Rob from the rich and give to the poor.” Although Robin Hood may have meant well and his actions noble, the idea of taking more from the rich to give to the poor is not always wise when…
Why Do IRS Audit Numbers Continue to Decline?
Why Do IRS Audit Numbers Continue to Decline? No one would voluntarily go through an audit and, in fact, many people would rather experience a lot of other unpleasant situations over going through an audit from the IRS. Let’s face it, being selected for an audit can be a spine-curling experience for many taxpayers. In…
With Congress Now Back What Will it Mean for Taxes
With Congress Now Back What Will it Mean for Taxes Fall is here and that means the rain and wind are on their way back. Congress is back as well and they have a lot to talk about. It’s not exactly clear how much they will get done in the next three months, but they…