Unusual Tax Breaks Around the World That Could Surprise You

Introduction: Tax Relief or Just Plain Bizarre?

When you think of tax deductions, your mind might immediately jump to common items like home office expenses, medical costs, or charitable donations. But around the world, tax breaks come in all shapes and sizes—some practical, others downright puzzling.

From writing off cat food for business reasons to tax-free beer for workers, governments have developed creative ways to incentivise cultural practices, occupational needs, and local industries. This article explores some of the quirkiest global tax deductions—ones that might leave you chuckling or even wishing you could apply for them here in the UK!

A Global Tour of the Most Unusual Tax Breaks

Feeding Felines for Business - USA 🐱

Why It Exists: Did you know businesses in the United States can deduct expenses for feeding stray cats? It’s true—if you employ stray cats for pest control on your business premises, you could claim the cost of their food as a legitimate business expense.

Think of it as an eco-friendly security system that also earns you a tax break. It’s a fun way to encourage greener pest control measures, but we doubt the cats realise they hold such an important tax-deductible role in the organisation!

Spray-On Bronzer Write-Offs - USA 🏋️‍♂️

Why It Exists: Professional bodybuilders in the United States can deduct competition-related expenses, including those iconic spray tans. These tans are deemed essential for their profession, helping them showcase muscle definition under harsh competition lighting.

Imagine explaining this to HMRC if it existed here! Now if only gym memberships were deductible for all of us…

Moving a Landmark Tree - USA 🌳

Why It Exists: One taxpayer in the US successfully claimed expenses for moving a 150-year-old tree to his new home as a landscaping cost. Thanks to generous home improvement deductions, he was able to stretch the rules to literally bring part of the planet’s history with him.

Can you imagine submitting a tree-moving expense in the UK? One homeowner’s landscaping ambition is another auditor’s headache!

Whaling Captain Write-Offs - Alaska, USA 🐋

Why It Exists: Indigenous whaling captains in Alaska can claim deductions for the costs of hunting whales, from equipment to fuel. This supports traditional cultural practices central to their communities.

While most of us claim office supplies or travel expenses, these captains get to write off harpoons—a tax deduction as unique as it is culturally significant.

Pools Prescribed by Doctors - USA 🏊‍♂️

Why It Exists: A taxpayer successfully claimed a home swimming pool as a medical expense after their physician recommended hydrotherapy for their health. While this might sound like a luxury, it highlights how tax laws can accommodate legitimate medical needs—at least in the United States.

This isn’t your average health plan rebate. Hydrotherapy anyone?

Tax-Free Beer for Workers - Belgium 🍺

Why It Exists: Belgian companies historically provided workers with a daily beer allowance, which was considered a non-taxable part of their wages. While this practice may not be as widespread today, it highlighted Belgium’s cultural significance of beer and its historical ties to workplace well-being (or stamina!).

British workers might be wishing for a similar perk come Friday afternoons.

Kiddos in Sports? Tax Savings - The Netherlands ⚽

Why It Exists: In the Netherlands, parents can claim tax relief on fees for children’s sports. This policy promotes active lifestyles, reducing long-term healthcare costs.

“Football over piano lessons—it’s better for your health and your tax return!”

Home-Grown Olive Oil Exemptions - Greece 🫒

Why It Exists: Some Greek regions offer tax exemptions for locally produced olive oil, supporting local agriculture and preserving traditions deeply rooted in their culture.

If only UK residents could have similar exemptions for our favourite beverages—imagine the savings on tea!

Tax Loopholes for Witches - Romania 🔮

Why It Exists: Romania allows self-employed witches, fortune-tellers, and astrologers to claim certain deductions. Although their services were later formally taxed, creative loopholes remain—ensuring even the mystical community can minimise their tax burden.

The spirits speak… of tax-saving forecasts!

Free Haircuts with a Side of Tax Relief - France ✂️

Why It Exists: French hairdressers providing free haircuts to the homeless can claim tax relief as part of a government initiative encouraging social good. This policy supports charitable businesses while promoting community outreach in meaningful ways.

Giving back never felt so rewarding—literally!

Are These Tax Breaks Practical or Just Peculiar?

These unusual tax breaks reveal that tax laws are often shaped by culture, industry, and the human need to address niche scenarios. While you might not qualify for feline food deductions or tax-free olive oil, there are countless legitimate ways to optimise your tax bill.

Want to Explore Tax-Saving Strategies?

At Virtue Accountants, we specialise in uncovering legal and effective tax-saving options tailored to your specific business needs (no cats or spray tans required!). Get in touch today to see how we can streamline your finances and help you achieve your financial goals.