The April 15th deadline for filing US tax returns has passed. Here are some strange and weird taxes and tax deductions:
Clarinet Lessons: Music instruments and lessons in general are not deductible, but if they are part of an orthodontist's prescription to help deal with an overbite, the clarinet and the lessons may be deductible as a medical expense. This only applies to a clarinet due to the way a clarinet is positioned in the mouth which decreases the pain of an overbite.
Breast Implants: An exotic dancer successfully argued that her breast implants were a necessary part of her business, and that without the implants, she would lose income to other exotic dancers.
Guard Animals: The Tax Court allowed cat food to be deducted for a cat that was deemed necessary to a junkyard to keep it free of rats and snakes.
Lawn Care and Landscaping: If you are operating a business from your home, you may find it important to make sure that your lawn is properly maintained. In order to claim this deduction, you must meet regularly with clients at your home office, and you must show why the landscaping is relevant.
Blueberries Tax: Maine has a special tax on blueberries of 1.5 cent per pound of blueberries sold.
Pumpkin tax: Many US states have made pumpkins exempt from sales tax – but only if they are to be eaten and not carved up for Halloween.
Junk Food tax: Determined to reduce obesity and help people eat better, the Navajo Nation implemented a tax at the rate of 2% on junk food.
Diaper Tax: In Connecticut, baby diapers are taxable but adult diapers are tax exempt. Children's diapers (both cloth and disposable) are considered clothing and therefore are taxed. Adult diapers, on the other hand, are included in an exemption for "certain disposable pads" commonly used by people who are incontinent.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
