Personal accountancy advice is not a legitimate business expense, for most people.
But then MPs are not normal people, anything is legitimate for them.
Nine members of the cabinet have been claiming this, including the chancellor.
Why can't business people claim similar accountancy advice and expenses?
Mr Darling said "everyone of us, me included, have to take responsibility" for not reforming the expenses system.
Liberal Democrat Vince Cable was "incensed" when he heard the chancellors "cynical attempt to displace responsibility for his own behaviour on other MPs."
And what does the tax man say?
"It's a general principle of tax law that accountancy fees incurred in connection with the completion of a personal tax return are not deductible. This is because the costs of complying with the law are not an allowable expense against tax. This rule applies across the board."
Can't argue with that.
But then MPs are not normal people, anything is legitimate for them.
Nine members of the cabinet have been claiming this, including the chancellor.
Why can't business people claim similar accountancy advice and expenses?
Mr Darling said "everyone of us, me included, have to take responsibility" for not reforming the expenses system.
Liberal Democrat Vince Cable was "incensed" when he heard the chancellors "cynical attempt to displace responsibility for his own behaviour on other MPs."
And what does the tax man say?
"It's a general principle of tax law that accountancy fees incurred in connection with the completion of a personal tax return are not deductible. This is because the costs of complying with the law are not an allowable expense against tax. This rule applies across the board."
Can't argue with that.