By Peter Blank, Editor, The Kiplinger Tax Letter
Over the years, taxpayers have concocted a lot of zany arguments to justify tax deductions. We've come up with what we think are the 10 most creative ones that the tax courts decided didn't quite pass muster.
As secret agent Maxwell Smart would say, "Missed it by that much!"
TurboTax Articles
Seven Things You Didn't Know About Taxes
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You know your federal taxes pay for government programs and services, like roads and national defense. And you may even know the difference between FICA and income tax. But did you know if you want to buy sparklers in West Virginia, you can expect to pay a special fee?
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A Brief History of Income Taxes
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Did you know President Abraham Lincoln, one of America's most beloved leaders, also instituted one of its least liked obligations - the income tax? In tihs brief history of taxes, see the historical events which shaped income taxes in the United States today.
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A Comparative Look at State Taxes
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Ever wondered which state has the highest gas tax or the lowest overall tax burden? Interact with the infographic below to compare income tax, property tax, and other taxes by state.
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Spread the Wealth, Carefully, with Tax-Free Gifts
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Thinking about making a charitable donation, or want to bestow your generosity on a loved one? The first thing you have to do is understand the tax implications. Not every charity is created equal when it comes to donations. Some may not qualify to have gifts count as tax write-offs, and some others may not be fulfilling their mission. It's up to you to do the checking to know if your check is getting to the right place for the right purposes.
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Sweet Child of Mine: Tax Credits for Parents
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Parents may seek tax breaks on everything from child care to educational costs and even supplies, in some cases.
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Americans already waste $431 billion per year complying with our tax code, yet the IRS is clearly incapable of doing its part by providing basic services to those taxpayers – such as picking up the phone. What does the IRS demand as a solution to its failures? More of your money. That’s right – the IRS wants an increase to the $11.8 billion they have already been given.
We don’t need to reform the IRS; we need to eliminate it.
That is why I am championing H.R. 25, the FairTax, which would dismantle the IRS and replace our current tax code with a 23% consumption tax at the final point of purchase for new goods and services. Not only would the FairTax do away with the headache of income tax compliance, it would also replace all other federal taxes. Congress wouldn’t need to continue debating whether or not Americans should get another two-month “holiday” from the payroll tax – the FairTax would permanently eliminate it. We wouldn’t have to keep fighting over which industries should continue to be subsidized with federal dollars in this budget-slashing era; the FairTax would eliminate them all and level the playing field for everyone.
Now that's a man who loves his porn. I have spent money on it, but not that much. Movies, not ladies of the night.
January 19 2012 at 7:41 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyWell.......prostitutes are cheaper than wives, and complain less.
January 19 2012 at 5:17 PM Report abuse Permalink +2 rate up rate down ReplyCrap. So much for my "massage therapy" deductions.
January 19 2012 at 5:04 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replythats correct, if if you want a job done right, either hire a professional or do it yourself.... :D
January 19 2012 at 5:01 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
s.spotts
Prostitutes, good for America, IRS bad.
January 19 2012 at 4:53 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI LMAO THANKS!!!! STILL LAUGHING, THESE COMMENTS WERE THE BEST!!!!
January 19 2012 at 4:45 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyA prostitute.The best thing about them?You only have to pay them once not weekly.lol
January 19 2012 at 4:40 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Lightning F2A
Ahh prostitutes, the perfect woman - she always says yes and you get to see her leave when you're done.
January 19 2012 at 4:22 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyYour perfect woman is someone you have to pay to every time you have sex? I guess you can't get it any other way...lol.
January 19 2012 at 4:32 PM Report abuse Permalink -1 rate up rate down ReplyHe just prefers to pay as you go instead of the lump sum method.
January 19 2012 at 4:38 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate downEvery man pays, only b/c every woman expects to be paid.
January 19 2012 at 5:26 PM Report abuse Permalink -1 rate up rate downYour getting some flak for your Comments..I thought it was really funny. Ya gotta be divorced, I am!! thats why we find it funny
January 19 2012 at 4:41 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replyhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhUkGIsKvn0
January 19 2012 at 4:16 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyFeatured Sponsor
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