Was pondering. . .

If you could write off this hobby as a personal sanity expense would you hobby more often or not?

Thanks!

I know it is unheard of but dream with me for a second would ya!

That's exactly why I hobby so it wouldn't be too much of a stretch. Still, I'd hate to see it as a line item on my tax return -- especially when sometimes I have to show it to people! I can imagine it now ...

Still, anything you want to encourage ... you subsidize ... right? And the tax deduction would be a form of subsidy ... and I would hate to pervert the intent of Congress in allowing the deduction ... so I'd probably have another couple of sessions a year.

I can see it now.

Your company insurance plan with the pre-tax account.  All you need is to show receipts and you get to use pretax dollars.

My imaginary receipt

On Breathtaking Brooke Stationary

Mr Foodyguy

1 hour consultation

Purpose of consultation: To keep him from being committed to the loony bin.

Fee:  300 roses

Therapist Brooke do I need a weekly session?

You've heard of the oil depletion allowance, haven't you?

under cap & trade?

-- Modified on 1/27/2010 5:38:00 PM

Only if you stop making animal figurines out all my stash!

AR
XO

lamo (as usual)

Well since it is legal is some part of Nevada, I'm sure there are some things you can write off.

Now think of the accountant that has to do the tax return for on of the ladies that work a the local Brothels.

Beside the condoms, and other stuff.

How the hell do you explain to you account that you bought a  modified sawzall for your job.

see below

Assuming you don't care if someone decides to dig into it, it's arguably legal*.  HSA accounts cover all kinds of "therapy" that aren't otherwise covered (massage therapy, physical therapy, holistic therapy).  You don't actually need a degree for lots of these.  An official looking receipt would probably suffice.  Of course, the phone # on the receipt probably shouldn't go to a message that says "Hi, I'm out bonking, leave me a message, sexy boy!".

I'm too chicken to do this, of course, so I'll just get another nice pair of glasses or a tooth whitening if my HSA has extra $$ .


* filmat11 is not a tax or legal advisor and does not play one on TV.

have a date at a Holiday Inn Express?

I assume you're referring to my mention of "an official looking receipt".  Obviously this is all in fun but...

The provider (or you) would have to make a receipt for the "therapy" that at least looked like something legitimate.  And if someone checked, they would have to find some legitimate office listing, website or phone message.  Too complicated and risky for me to be involved in, but possible for some enterprising provider, that's all I was saying.

Finally, as other messages implied, this would be more than a 15% savings - closer to 30%.

filmat11