The bold and unusual expenses Australians have tried to claim back as part of their annual tax refund have been revealed. Australians flock to lodge their tax returns in huge numbers each year, with the promise of an extra boost in their bank accounts. And while most are happy with whatever cash they can get back, there's always a few who attempt to get more than what they're owed.Gambling losses, a child's birthday party and a Lego set were among the more bizarre items people tried to claim under the 'other' banner on tax returns.One person tried to claim back $20,000 for raising twins. One taxpayer attempted to claim a Lego set as part of their tax refund - this claim was disallowedAccording to the Australian Tax Office (ATO), there were 700,000 claims for 'other' expenses in the 2017 financial year.A total of 88 per cent of these claims had to be amended. 'We do see a whole host of weird and wonderful claims,' assistant commissioner Karen Foat told the ABC.'A couple of taxpayers claimed dental expenses, believing a nice smile was essential to finding a job — and was therefore deductible.' RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next 'It's ridiculous - I'm wealthy': Multi-millionaire... DON'T click on this link: Warning over major tax return scam... Millions of Australians could have an extra $1080 in their... Are YOU one of the Aussies about to get $800? Government... Share this article Share One man attempted to claim $58,000 for his wedding, saying it was in relation to a work-related overseas conference.He claimed $33,087 for the wedding and his wife claimed $25,259.Both claims were disallowed, Ms Foat said. One considerate taxpayer even tried to claim the cost of a car he had purchased for his mother. The ATO has to keep a close eye on claims as bogus expenses add up, she said. One man attempted to claim a $58,000 wedding, saying it was in relation to a work-related overseas conference'Sometimes people are none the wiser and think they can clam cost of living expenses, and then there are others who are pushing the boundaries,' she said.A tax refund can be delayed if 'red flags' appear. The most outlandish tax refund claims in 2017: Raising twins at the cost of $20,000 A $58,000 weddingGambling lossesBeerDental care Living expenses, including food, rent and mortgages Ms Foat said if something is allowable the ATO will ask for a record to prove the expense.If it's not allowable, they will ask why the person made the claim and then explain to them why it's not allowable before removing the claim. 'With an outlandish claim, we just remove the claim and the person might end up with a tax bill.'The number of claims under the 'other' banner has increased by 13 per cent over the past three years.The cost of those claims has jumped from $1.74 million in 2015 to $1.97 million in 2017.Taxpayers who are caught making a false claim can be penalised with 25 per cent to 75 per cent of the shortfall amount. One considerate taxpayer even tried
Weird ways Australians tried to boost their tax refunds but failed
The bold and unusual expenses Australians have tried to claim back as part of their annual tax refund have been revealed. Australians flock to lodge their tax returns in huge numbers each year, with the promise of an extra boost in their bank accounts. And while most are happy with whatever cash they can get back, there's always a few who attempt to get more than what they're owed.Gambling losses, a child's birthday party and a Lego set were among the more bizarre items people tried to claim under the 'other' banner on tax returns.One person tried to claim back $20,000 for raising twins. One taxpayer attempted to claim a Lego set as part of their tax refund - this claim was disallowedAccording to the Australian Tax Office (ATO), there were 700,000 claims for 'other' expenses in the 2017 financial year.A total of 88 per cent of these claims had to be amended. 'We do see a whole host of weird and wonderful claims,' assistant commissioner Karen Foat told the ABC.'A couple of taxpayers claimed dental expenses, believing a nice smile was essential to finding a job — and was therefore deductible.' RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next 'It's ridiculous - I'm wealthy': Multi-millionaire... DON'T click on this link: Warning over major tax return scam... Millions of Australians could have an extra $1080 in their... Are YOU one of the Aussies about to get $800? Government... Share this article Share One man attempted to claim $58,000 for his wedding, saying it was in relation to a work-related overseas conference.He claimed $33,087 for the wedding and his wife claimed $25,259.Both claims were disallowed, Ms Foat said. One considerate taxpayer even tried to claim the cost of a car he had purchased for his mother. The ATO has to keep a close eye on claims as bogus expenses add up, she said. One man attempted to claim a $58,000 wedding, saying it was in relation to a work-related overseas conference'Sometimes people are none the wiser and think they can clam cost of living expenses, and then there are others who are pushing the boundaries,' she said.A tax refund can be delayed if 'red flags' appear. The most outlandish tax refund claims in 2017: Raising twins at the cost of $20,000 A $58,000 weddingGambling lossesBeerDental care Living expenses, including food, rent and mortgages Ms Foat said if something is allowable the ATO will ask for a record to prove the expense.If it's not allowable, they will ask why the person made the claim and then explain to them why it's not allowable before removing the claim. 'With an outlandish claim, we just remove the claim and the person might end up with a tax bill.'The number of claims under the 'other' banner has increased by 13 per cent over the past three years.The cost of those claims has jumped from $1.74 million in 2015 to $1.97 million in 2017.Taxpayers who are caught making a false claim can be penalised with 25 per cent to 75 per cent of the shortfall amount. One considerate taxpayer even tried
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