Strange But True: Accountants Reveal the Wildest Expense Claims from Accountex North

A survey conducted at Accountex North 2025 continues to generate interest across the accountancy sector in 2026, revealing the more surprising side of business expenses and the creativity some business owners bring to what they submit as “allowable costs.” The research uncovered a wide range of claims, from luxury items and overseas trips to everyday purchases that were presented as legitimate business spending.

The study, carried out by Cloud2Me, the fastest-growing UK-based hosted desktop provider for the accountancy sector, asked accountants and bookkeepers to share the strangest, funniest and most surprising expense claims they had ever encountered.

The responses revealed a catalogue of eyebrow-raising submissions, including a Rolex watch “to get to meetings,” wedding dresses and engagement rings, trips to Ibiza, Paris and Las Vegas complete with limousines, a racehorse categorised as “work equipment,” £42,000 for a Manchester City hospitality box, cosmetic surgery including a boob job, £500 of McDonald’s food, doggy daycare and accessories, school fees, a ski trip combined with a strip club visit, and even an aquarium and a packet of Werther’s Originals.

While most of these claims were rejected, they illustrate just how often business owners attempt to blur the line between personal indulgence and legitimate business costs — a challenge that remains just as relevant as firms face tighter compliance and scrutiny in 2026.

Helen Brooks, Head of Commercial at Cloud2Me, commented on the findings:

“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 survey also highlights the growing number of “grey area” expense claims — where purchases are not obviously personal or professional, but somewhere in between — putting accountants in the position of having to make careful judgement calls to protect their clients from unnecessary risk or 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.”

Together, the findings reinforce the vital role accountants play in modern business. Far from simply processing numbers, they act as trusted advisers and guardians of compliance — even when that means explaining why a racehorse or a football box does not qualify as “essential business equipment.”

About Cloud2Me

Cloud2Me is the fastest-growing UK-based hosted desktop provider dedicated to the accountancy sector. Founded in 2013, the company provides secure, scalable, and high-performance hosted environments for accountancy firms of all sizes.

With UK-based support and deep expertise in accountancy software, they help firms run smoothly, securely, and confidently.