'Can't I write that off?': 3 tales of crazy tax deductions

As accountants trudge through another grueling tax season, a little levity would probably be welcomed with open arms.

Here’s more proof that there’s humor in everything — even taxes. Below are some of the most ridiculous tax write-offs of the year, courtesy of Bankrate.com.

1. A strange business trip. An Oklahoma accountant decided to dig a little further into one small company’s business deduction and found this: a check for over $2,000 made out to a gynecologist. The business owner had classified this unusual business expense under the heading, “repairs and maintenance.”

2. Animal dependents. Each year brings a new crop of pet owners attempting to deduct their pets via interesting, unusual and highly entertaining means. This year was no exception, including the following dog-owners:

• one who claimed his canine as a dependent
• one who tried to write off the dog’s chow for his “home security system,” and
• one who claimed a landscaping subcontractor named Fido.

3. Not for two-ply. There are a slew of home-office deductions that are permissible to the newly self-employed. But one Arizona accountant had to cry foul after an unbelievably brazen client attempted to write off his home’s toilet paper supply.

Readers, do you have any examples of absurd write-off requests? Leave them in our comments section.