So a massage for your lawyer is deductible too?
8:25AM on January 18, 2010

 

These tax credits may surprise you, but they are totally legitimate

While you may not think theres much to laugh about when it comes totaxes, you might just be surprised.

We all know about the good old standard tax deductions like write-offs for charitable donations and home offices. And thousands of Americans are taking advantage of the new tax credit that Congress just extended for first-time home buyers.

But there are a few breaks that you might not realize the IRS is willing to stamp approved that could save you money on your tax bill. And if you cant claim them on your forms this year at least you can benefit from a little laughter.

Hiring help
OK, not just any help. But if you need to pay for child care because you are donating time to a nonprofit organization or you are doing charitable work you can deduct that fee from your 1040 form. Thats right if you pay someone to babysit because youre working for someone for no pay, you can write it off. Admirable to be sure, but it seems like a long way to go around the bend to save a little on your tax bill.

Medically necessary massages
Since this deduction was originally written into the tax code in 1962, accountants and tax lawyers have made sure their clients are keeping all their doctors notes. The rule states that anything that your doctor prescribes as medically necessary can be deducted from your taxes.

That means that if your doctor tells you to get therapeutic massages you can keep the receipts and knock that expense off as deductible. The same goes for aqua therapy (backyard pool installation and maintenance anyone?) and restrictive diets (make that call to Jenny Craig).

However be aware that the IRS combs through medical deductions very carefully so dont try to get creative or it could end up costing you much, much more.

Shipping Fido
So FedEx wont really overnight your familys pooch but you can deduct the expenses associated with moving any of your personal effects due to a job-related relocation. And, as a personal effect, your favorite animals transportation can be written off your personal taxes.

Attorney fees for illegal activity
Its true. While you are required to pay taxes on any income earned through illegal activity such as theft, bribery or drug-dealing, if you are unfortunate enough to get caught, the good news is you can write off