Filling a tax return form has often called the most mind-numbingly boring job in the world. But that doesn’t stop taxpayers from making some funny claims.
With just 4 days to go for taxpayers to submit their 2014/15 tax return, HMRC dug deep and revealed the 5 most funny and bizarre personal tax expense claims taxpayers tried and failed to claim on their self-assessment tax returns last year.
The expenses range from the cost of storing a Mars bars overnight in a fridge to buying a second hand car to get from home to work.
1. Storing Mars Bars overnight in a fridge.
2. A pair of flip flops.
3. Intimate waxing, anyone?
4. A second hand car to travel from home to work
5. Money spent on furniture.
While filing your tax form should definitely be at the top of your to-do list, you can’t afford to make outrageous claims. HMRC Director General of Personal Tax, Ruth Owen, has the following advice for what taxpayers can claim against.
“There are a number of items and expenses that people can claim against, such as genuine business costs and items needed to do a job. But a painful beauty regime or the furniture for your own home are not items that every taxpayer in the country should be contributing towards. It’s wrong that a small minority of people expect the honest majority to subsidise their lifestyle and HMRC will never allow for these to be processed as genuine claims.”
Need help?
With less than 4 days to go until the tax return deadline, it’s best to complete your tax return now. We got some tips on completing a tax return. In case, you are not sure which expenses you can claim on your tax return form you might want to check: Expense allowances for self-employed.
You can also call the HMRC helpline on (0300) 200 3310. But if the idea of making the deadline is making your stomach churn you can give us a call on 020 8303 1287 as we are still taking enquiries. However, whether we can help or not depends on the complexity of your case.
- Storing Mars Bars overnight in a fridge.
- A pair of flip flops.
- Intimate waxing, anyone?
Also Read: Alternative funding for small businesses