A new survey by Cloud2Me, conducted at Accountex North, has revealed some of the most unusual and eyebrow-raising business expense claims ever submitted — including wedding dresses, cosmetic surgery, luxury trips abroad, and even a racehorse labelled as “work equipment.”
Accountants and bookkeepers are no strangers to questionable expenses, but Cloud2Me’s research highlights just how far some business owners will go to stretch the definition of “allowable costs.”
The strangest expense claims reported included:
- A Rolex watch “to get to meetings”
- Wedding dresses and engagement rings
- Trips to Ibiza, Paris, and Las Vegas — with limousines included
- A racehorse categorised as “work equipment”
- £42,000 for a box at Manchester City
- Cosmetic surgery, including a boob job
- £500 worth of McDonald’s
- Doggy daycare and accessories
- School fees
- A ski trip combined with a strip club visit
- An aquarium and a packet of Werther’s Originals
While many of these claims were ultimately rejected, the findings show just how creative — and sometimes audacious — people can be when submitting expenses.
Helen Brooks, Head of Commercial at Cloud2Me, commented:
“Accountants really do see it all – from Rolexes and wedding dresses to pet daycare and ski trips. While these examples might make us smile, they’re also a reminder of how important accountants are in guiding businesses through compliance and making sure things are done properly. Behind every bizarre claim is a serious responsibility… keeping companies on the right side of HMRC.”
The serious side of strange spending
Expense claims often highlight the blurred line between personal and business spending. While most firms are diligent about compliance, accountants admit that it’s not uncommon to encounter claims that test the limits of what’s acceptable.
These grey areas highlight the crucial role accountants play in helping businesses minimise unnecessary risk and potential HMRC penalties.
Helen adds:
“We know the accountancy sector can be incredibly serious and high-pressure, especially around tax deadlines. But there’s also room to celebrate the lighter moments. This survey shows the human side of the profession, and we’re proud to be part of that conversation.”
Accountants: the gatekeepers of good governance
This survey reinforces that accountants are more than number-crunchers — they’re crucial partners in maintaining compliance, integrity, and financial transparency. In a time of heightened scrutiny, their expertise is essential, even when that means explaining why a racehorse doesn’t quite qualify as “essential office equipment.”
About Cloud2Me
Founded in 2013, Cloud2Me is the fastest-growing UK-based hosted desktop provider dedicated to the accountancy sector. The company delivers secure, scalable, and high-performance hosted environments for accountancy firms of all sizes.
With UK-based support and deep expertise in accountancy software, Cloud2Me helps firms run smoothly, securely, and confidently.
For more information, visit www.cloud2me.co.uk.
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