10 Things You Didn’t Know Were Tax Deductible
Taxes usually bring to mind the same familiar write-offs, but the rules are broader than most people realize. Court decisions and IRS guidance include deductions that catch many filers off guard, even though they are entirely legitimate. Some exist because of how specific jobs operate, while others result from past cases that set unexpected precedents. This list examines the types of expenses people often overlook each year and why they are permitted in the first place.
Cat Food for Working Animals
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Businesses sometimes rely on unconventional helpers. A junkyard owner persuaded the U.S. Tax Court that feeding stray cats reduced rodents and protected inventory. In Seawright v. Commissioner, the court accepted cat food as an ordinary business expense. The rule still applies today when animals serve a clear work function.
Guard Dogs Used for Security
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Security does not always mean cameras and keypads. The IRS treats trained guard dogs like alarm systems when a business uses them to protect cash or inventory. Food, veterinary care, and training qualify if the animal works full-time. Size and temperament matter because personal pets fail this test.
Clarinet Lessons Prescribed by a Doctor
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Medical deductions sometimes go in directions people do not expect. In a 1962 court case, a parent deducted clarinet lessons after a doctor prescribed them to help correct a child’s overbite. The court viewed the cost as treatment, not enrichment. That reasoning still applies today. A doctor’s letter is essential, and the expense must address a diagnosed condition rather than general self-improvement.
Cosmetic Surgery for Performers
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A famous Tax Court case backed an exotic dancer who argued implants were required for her job. The court agreed and allowed depreciation to be spread across multiple years. The key factor involved income production. Procedures tied to personal preference fail, and proof of professional necessity carries weight.
Costumes That Cannot Pass as Streetwear
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Stage wardrobes create tax opportunities when clothing cannot pass as everyday wear. Performers can deduct the cost of costumes, such as mascot suits or themed jumpsuits, used exclusively for work. The IRS draws a firm line at adaptability. Keeping costumes at a studio helps support intent.
Pre-Launch Startup Expenses
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Early business expenses feel painful before revenue arrives. Tax rules allow startups to deduct many pre-launch costs once operations begin. Software, legal filings, marketing, and domain fees often qualify. Good records bridge the gap between planning and taxable income.
Working From Home Utilities
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Home offices unlocked deductions long before video calls ruled calendars. Electricity, internet, and rent portions qualify when space supports regular work. Claims depend on square footage or hourly methods. The IRS accepts simplified rates for many filers. Logs, bills, and consistency keep numbers credible when returns face scrutiny.
Bank Fees and Account Charges
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Fees feel minor until added up across a year. Businesses can deduct bank charges tied to operations, including overdraft fees and card processing costs. Interest on business loans often counts too. The deduction rewards organization rather than creativity, yet many overlook it during hurried filing sessions.
Laundry for Uniforms and Protective Clothing
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Work clothes rarely spark excitement, yet they create deductions. Uniforms, protective gear, and logo-branded apparel qualify when unsuitable for daily wear. Cleaning costs count too. Receipts help, though estimates are accepted within published thresholds for employees and freelancers alike across many industries in the U.S. today.
Sun Protection Required for Outdoor Work
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Outdoor jobs expose workers to risks beyond heat. Sunglasses and protective gear qualify as deductions when employers require employees to perform extended outdoor duties. The claim fits roles like construction, surveying, and lifeguarding. Work use must clearly exceed personal wear during regular working hours, as documented by job requirements outlined in contracts or employer policies.