The article suggests one deduction that could raise an auditors eyebrow is the “home office” deduction. I’m not surprised. Owning a small, home-based business myself, I often have friends and family recommend that I should write off the area in my home that I use for the business, despite the fact that the area is used primarily for living. One family member is preparing to take the CPA exam too! When I reminded him that the tax law says the area must be used EXCLUSIVELY for the business he said I should “relax.” He needs to get some tax training from TaxEngine.com’s tax tips website.

An audit is the last thing I want.

Click HERE to read other suggestions from the MSN article.

Bodybuilder (part 1): A pro bodybuilder wanted to claim a dietary business deduction for buffalo meat and protein shakes.

Donor’s Deduction: A Manhattan CPA was approached by a man who had made some money as a sperm donor. He wanted to take a depletion allowance, which only works with things like oil wells.

Arson: A business owner who hired an arsonist deducted a $10,000 ‘consultation’ fee. An audit two years later led to the convictions of the business owner and the arsonist.

Alarm Food: A man tried to deduct the cost of dog food. Because his dog protected his house, he considered it a security expense. The IRS disagreed.

Approved by the IRS

Bodybuilder (part 2): This bodybuilder was able to deduct posing oil as a viable business expense.

Silicon Stage Props: An exotic dancer was able to convince the IRS that her 56 FF breast implants were a legitimate business expense.

Medical Clarinet Lessons: The parents of a child with an overbite were able to write-off clarinet lessons as a medical expense to improve their child’s smile.

Medical Boarding School: The parents of a child with respiratory problems were able to deduct travel, room, and board expenses associated with a boarding school in Arizona.