Babysitting Fees
Money doesn’t have to go directly to a charity to be accepted as a charitable contribution.
If you need someone to look after your kids while you’re out doing volunteer work, then the fees you pay the babysitter still count as charitable contributions, according to the Tax Court.
Landscaping
Are you a sole proprietor? Do you plan on working exclusively from home? If you’re going to regularly meet clients at home then you’ll be happy to know that landscaping, lawn care, and driveway repair costs may be deductible as business expenses.
Of course, the IRS didn’t agree when a man tried to do exactly that, but the Tax Court swooped in and argued that since the home was used for business, the deduction was valid!