The ATO published some ‘interesting’ claims that they disallowed last financial year.
• Claims for Lego sets as gifts
• Sporting equipment/ membership fees children
• Dental expenses (a nice smile was essential to the work they do)
• A particularly “charitable” taxpayer who purchased a car as a gift for their mother;
• A taxpayer made a claim for “the cost of raising twins”, and another claiming “New born baby expensive”
• Claims for child support payments.
We have in the past been asked to claim:
• Expenses for a gym membership and personal training costs (the GP thought it necessary to show patients that they live the life they preach)
• The cost of their wedding reception as they had invited a few patients.
• Claims for children’s birthday parties if patients are invited.
• Education costs of their children (they intend to employ them). Generally, a hard claim to get passed the ATO even at the best of times but when the child is aged 9 we have our work cut out.
It’s always a good idea to speak to a tax expert because they can tell you what’s not possible but more importantly what is possible. And some claims are made and allowable that you would never think possible.