You'd Be Surprised What You Can Write Off As A Tax Deduction

Do you have a deadbeat boyfriend or girlfriend? That's great! At least for tax deduction purposes. "Couples who can claim their significant other as a dependent can also use them as a tax break," ABC News reports. The claimant must also pay half, or more, of their partner's expenses.

When it comes down to it, filing your taxes may seem like a stressful and less than pleasant time. With some creativity and luck, you can successfully (and entirely legally!) write off some pretty surprising things. The best tax preparation services share some of the strangest tax deductions.

It's All About That Work-Life Balance 

Want the federal government to pay you to get a babysitter? It is possible, with some caveats. If you take up volunteer work, for example, you may be able to write off the expenses of a babysitter. Any work must be for a non-profit charity, so keep that in mind.

Do You Feed Feral Cats? Apparently, That's Fair Game For a Tax Deduction 

"A couple who owned a junkyard were allowed to write off the cost of cat food they set out to attract wild cats," MSN writes. There is some bad news, though. This particular couple may have gotten pretty lucky, according to top tax services. Apparently, these particular feral cats also hunted the rats and snakes in the junkyard, doing something of a public service for the owners and patrons.

That's One Way To Win Over Customers

One generous businessman attracted new customers to his gas station with a one-of-a-kind promotion. The promotion involved some sales, but mostly just giving away free beer -- and he was able to write it off on his taxes. A small business tax accountant can work wonders. He or she will be able to help you file small business taxes, write off as many expenses as possible, and receive a higher return. The best tax preparation services will also save you considerable time. It takes eight hours for an individual to file their taxes -- imagine how long it might take a business or organization! With an accountant, you don't have to worry about it.

The IRS received 144,103,375 tax returns in 2012 -- and with some surprising deductions. Talk to a small business tax accountant about getting the most out of your business and your quarterly or yearly tax return.