Sweden’s ruling coalition submitted a series of proposals on Sept. 20 that would create tax breaks for repairs to items such as shoes, bicycles and dishwashers to encourage reuse. Here are some other unusual tax breaks around the globe.
–Tara John
GARDEN GNOMES
Property investors in Australia can claim the cost of garden gnomes added to their rental property. The ceramic lawn accessory is among hundreds of potential deductions for landlords.
WITCHCRAFT
A court in the Netherlands ruled on Sept. 23, 2005, that witchcraft lessons were tax-deductible as long as they increased a person’s employability and earning potential.
BRIBERY
Not only were bribes to private businesses legal in Germany until 2002, but they were tax-deductible until 1999. The deduction was reportedly rarely used, as it required the identity of both parties to be specified.
This appears in the October 03, 2016 issue of TIME.
- Taylor Swift Is TIME's 2023 Person of the Year
- Meet the Nation Builders
- Why Cell Phone Reception Is Getting Worse
- Column: It's Time to Scrap the Abraham Accords
- Israeli Family Celebrates Release of Hostage Grandmother
- In a New Movie, Beyoncé Finds Freedom
- The Top 100 Photos of 2023
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
