Contraception Stretches The Limits Of Tax Deductions

Everyone wants to get the best tax position from their tax return.

Hey, it’s only natural.

And any accountant worth his or her salt does everything they can do, legally, to minimise the amount of tax a person pays.

But there are some cases that not only test the limits of tax-deductibility of expenses, but also highlight the ingenuity of some people.

Try this one for size

A few decades ago the groundskeeper of a famous cricket ground needed to ensure the wickets stayed dry when they were stored away.

Back then, there wasn’t any adequate covering that could achieve this, especially when the wickets were stored in damp conditions.

He tried all manner of improvised coverings but nothing seemed to fit the bill.

Until, per chance, he found the perfect solution.

That’s a wrap

Unbeknownst to him (and I’m guessing a lot of people) a condom (a form of contraception) of a particular size stretches long enough to encase a cricket wicket.

It’s waterproof, skintight and not bulky so storage isn’t an issue.

Because he wasn’t able to be reimbursed by his employer, he claimed it on his tax return.

Naturally, the relevant tax authority wasn’t too happy by this and promptly knocked back the claim.

So our groundskeeper appealed to the High Court.

And won.

Guess he had the right protection

Now I’m not advocating you try this at home and this case was from decades ago and in the UK.

But it does highlight some of the strange claims that are made by taxpayers and are allowed.

(And the multi-facted uses of contraception).

As opposed to the Australian employee a few years ago who claimed wages for his 8 year-old daughter to bring the phone to him in his upstairs study at home.

Oh, and the cost of packets of Iced Vo-Vos to feed her.

Staggeringly, this claimed wasn’t allowed.

The Australian Taxation Office sometimes publishes a list of weird tax claims it knocks-back.

Makes for interesting reading.

Want to discuss tax claims that you’ll definitely be allowed to claim?

Then roll-up to www.sculptaccountants.com.au/contact/ and arrange a time for us to chat.

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Until next time.

Please Note: These articles are provided for education purposes only and should not be construed as specific advice. Always seek professional advice in relation to your personal and business circumstances.