<br><div><aside class="gnt_em gnt_em__fp gnt_em_vp__tp gnt_em__el" aria-label="Video - What does FICA stand for? What you need to know about federal payroll taxes."/><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Most Americans know <a target="_blank" href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2023/12/03/charitable-gift-annuity-lifetime-income-ira-taxes/71758574007/" data-t-l=":b|e|k|${u}" class="gnt_ar_b_a" rel="noopener">charitable gifts</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2023/12/26/income-tax-401k-save-money-2024/71973147007/" data-t-l=":b|e|k|${u}" class="gnt_ar_b_a" rel="noopener">retirement contributions</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/taxes/2024/01/05/student-loan-tax-break-deduction/72059582007/" data-t-l=":b|e|k|${u}" class="gnt_ar_b_a" rel="noopener">student loan</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/taxes/2018/02/06/tax-breaks-for-homeowners/109585478/" data-t-l=":b|e|k|${u}" class="gnt_ar_b_a" rel="noopener">mortgage interest</a> are tax-deductible, but what about your pet, swimming pool, private jet or cosmetic surgery? </p><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">It depends. </p><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Over the years, the IRS has allowed some unusual tax deductions, but the circumstances were very specific. Basically, taxpayers must prove the items were <a target="_blank" href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/taxes/2023/02/16/who-can-deduct-home-offices-taxes/11205648002/" data-t-l=":b|e|k|${u}" class="gnt_ar_b_a" rel="noopener">necessary</a> or a legitimate <a target="_blank" href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/taxes/2023/02/16/who-can-deduct-home-offices-taxes/11205648002/" data-t-l=":b|e|k|${u}" class="gnt_ar_b_a" rel="noopener">business expense</a>. They can’t be personal expenses. </p><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Here are examples of extraordinary deductions taxpayers have asked for and received from the IRS. It’s important to note that even though these were approved, accountants recommend you consult with a professional before pursuing any offbeat deductions. </p><aside aria-label="advertisement" class="gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al"/><h2 class="gnt_ar_b_mt">Breast implants </h2><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Cosmetic surgery is usually a personal expense and isn’t tax-deductible. </p><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">In 1994, however, self-employed exotic dancer Cynthia Hess (aka Chesty Love) won <a target="_blank" href="https://www.woodllp.com/Publications/Articles/pdf/Hess.pdf" rel="noopener" data-t-l=":b|e|k|${u}" class="gnt_ar_b_a">her tax case</a> allowing her breast implants in 1988 to be considered a legitimate business expense and could, therefore, have the cost be deducted. She argued that they were necessary to earn a living and that she otherwise wouldn’t have enlarged her breasts “to such an extent that they made her appear 'freakish.'” </p><aside aria-label="advertisement" class="gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al"/><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">The court decided the breast implants satisfied a two-part test: (1) required as a condition of employment and (2) unsuitable for everyday use. The breasts were analogous to a “costume,” necessary for her job to make money, and because of how large they were, they were unsuitable for everyday...</p></div> <style> .wrapper { text-align: center; } </style> <div class="wrapper"> <a class="button" href ="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/taxes/2024/02/20/strange-tax-deductions-irs-allows/72631417007/">Read more <span>➤</span></a> </div>
