The ATO has revealed some of the most “outrageous” tax deductions that taxpayers have tried to claim:

A couple of taxpayers claimed dental expenses, believing a nice smile was essential to finding a job, and was therefore deductible. It isn’t and their claims were disallowed

Another taxpayer claimed the Lego sets they bought as gifts for their children. Unsurprisingly, this claim was disallowed as personal gifts

One taxpayer tried to claim “the cost of raising twins” and another “the cost of raising three children”, while a third simply stated “newborn baby [is] expensive

One particularly charitable taxpayer tried to claim for a car purchased as a gift for their mother

One Australian tried to claim the entire cost of their wedding reception as a tax deduction
The ATO highlights the fact that as well as having claims denied, penalties also apply for making deductions that are not “reasonably arguable”

A couple of taxpayers claimed dental expenses, believing a nice smile was essential to finding a job, and was therefore deductible. It isn’t and their claims were disallowed

Another taxpayer claimed the Lego sets they bought as gifts for their children. Unsurprisingly, this claim was disallowed as personal gifts
One taxpayer tried to claim “the cost of raising twins” and another “the cost of raising three children”, while a third simply stated “newborn baby [is] expensive

One particularly charitable taxpayer tried to claim for a car purchased as a gift for their mother

One Australian tried to claim the entire cost of their wedding reception as a tax deduction

The ATO highlights the fact that as well as having claims denied, penalties also apply for making deductions that are not “reasonably arguable”