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In their quest to reduce taxes, some savvy business owners will go to great lengths, attempting to deduct anything—even things that are only vaguely connected to their business. While tax authorities usually deem such claims ineligible or even illegal, it hasn’t stopped some from making these attempts.
However, not everyone can use the items on this list. These are highly specific cases. It’s always wise to consult with a tax advisor to understand what can and can’t be deducted to avoid any legal issues. So, with that in mind, here are ten strange tax deductions and write-offs that have been claimed by some.
10. Baby Oil
While baby oil is typically associated with babies and used to keep their skin smooth and prevent rashes, it also has an unlikely fanbase: bodybuilders. At competitions, those muscles that gleam under the stage lights aren’t just shiny from sweat—they're coated with baby oil to make them appear even more defined.
For some bodybuilders, the earnings from competitions are their main income, and one of the secrets to their success is the use of oil. This has led a few bodybuilders to write off their large purchases of baby oil as business expenses! As a result, they also managed to deduct costs for gym memberships, exercise gear, and protein supplements.
9. Regular Meals
You may be familiar with businesses claiming meals during work lunches as tax-deductible. After all, “work” still happens during these meals, and sharing food can strengthen relationships with clients and colleagues.
However, one real estate agent tried to claim regular meals at restaurants as a deduction. Her reasoning? While dining alone, she kept her nametag on so that potential clients could approach her and discuss business. This claim didn’t pass, as her tax advisor gave her a simple tip—take off the nametag!
8. Home Office Spaces
Who wouldn’t want to work from home? You’re closer to your family, surrounded by home comforts, and you save time, money, and gas by skipping the daily commute. But there’s a way to save even more money while doing so.
If you’re truly dedicated to working from home and have created a designated workspace—be it your garage or a separate office—you may be able to write off the upkeep of that space! For instance, if your office occupies ten percent of your home, you can claim ten percent of your utilities—gas, heating, cooling, electricity, internet, and even landscaping—as a business expense! Sounds like a solid plan, right?
7. Pet Food & Supplies
Many of us love our animals so much that we consider them part of the family—some even call their pets their “furry little children.” But, depending on the situation, pets can also serve as little tax deductions! Whether it’s a cat that kills pests or a sheepdog, if your pet has a role in your business, their care and supplies count as business expenses. From mascots to guard dogs to emotional support pigs—there’s a wide variety of roles you can discuss with your tax advisor.
This tax loophole applies in yet another way. If your job requires you to relocate, you can claim your pets and their necessary supplies as a business expense. The rationale is that moving your essential business companions (your pets) to a new home can be a hassle, especially when it takes time for them to adjust to a new environment.
6. Motorcycle
Motorcycles may seem like an extravagant luxury, don’t they? Fast, loud, and built for showing off. They can also be quite costly due to the intricate maintenance and fine-tuning they require. Although motorcycle insurance is typically cheaper, riding one still comes with its risks.
But, if your motorcycle is your primary form of transportation (or makes up more than fifty percent of your daily commute), you can actually write it off as a business travel expense. So, go ahead and show off that motorcycle to your colleagues—just don’t forget to wear your helmet!
5. Breast Implants
After reading about bodybuilders using baby oil and business owners with guard dogs, some of you with more unconventional professions might be wondering, “What can I claim as a deduction for my specific line of work?”
Here’s a story that might spark some inspiration—an exotic dancer named Chesty Love managed to claim a tax deduction for her multiple breast augmentation surgeries! In a bold move, she represented herself in court and argued that her breast implants were a business expense, claiming that the larger her chest, the more customers she attracted!
4. Swimming Pool
Surely no one could get a break for this, right? A below-ground swimming pool is a luxury item—everyone might dream of having one in their backyard, but who actually needs a pool?
Well, if you can convince the IRS that your pool is medically necessary, you may be able to deduct the costs of the pool and its maintenance as a medical expense. Certain conditions, such as osteoarthritis, require submersion for therapy, and a pool or hot tub is ideal for that. Plus, if you want to host family or neighborhood parties, that's just an extra bonus!
3. Criminal Activity
This isn't so much a specific item but rather a strange reality for criminals: any money earned through illegal activities is still taxable. It’s hard to believe, but even bank robbers are expected to pay taxes on the stolen cash!
Even more bizarre is the fact that money earned through criminal activities is also tax-deductible! The same rules for business expenses apply to an illegal business. So, anything a criminal purchases legally to support or promote their unlawful operations is eligible for a deduction.
For instance, a drug dealer could technically write off the guns and ammo they purchase to protect their product as a business expense! However, any potential savings from such deductions would be nothing compared to the bail and fines they'd face if they’re caught. Additionally, being a tax-compliant criminal over time would be nearly impossible—keeping detailed records of taxes and expenses is, after all, the ultimate paper trail.
Let’s not forget that Al Capone, the notorious American mobster, was finally caught and convicted—not for his criminal enterprises, but for tax evasion.
2. Haircuts
Appearances matter, and maintaining good grooming habits is a sign of self-respect and adherence to societal norms. But like everything else, looking our best comes with a cost, and with costs come taxes—everyone gets haircuts, and we all pay taxes on them—well, most of us do.
Here’s another of those rare write-offs that only a select few can pull off—and who’s more privileged than former President Donald J. Trump? When his financials were reviewed during his presidency, it was revealed that he managed to deduct a staggering $70,000... just for keeping up with his outlandish hairstyle. And it wasn’t just for haircuts—we’re talking tax-free gels, sprays, dyes, and anti-balding treatments.
How did he manage this? Simple—because these were costs tied to his most valuable asset: his public persona.
1. Hiring Children as Employees
Ah, nepotism—a particular type of privilege that tends to rub many people the wrong way. Today, the key to landing a high-paying job or gaining access to top-tier education often lies in being the child of a wealthy parent.
Love it or hate it, nepotism is alive and well in the American business world—even for small businesses. If a parent hires their child and the child earns less than a certain threshold, they don’t have to worry about taxes being deducted from their paycheck, nor are they required to file a tax return! This creates a massive advantage for both young workers and the parents who hire them. Not only do the kids make a decent amount of tax-free income (likely much better than the usual allowance), but the experience also sets them up with a head start in life.
For the parent who hires their child, who better to employ than someone you’ve known their entire life? There’s already built-in trust and an understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. A parent knows how well their child will interact with customers and can confidently assess whether they’d be a good fit for the job. With the right approach, maybe nepotism isn’t all that bad after all.
