Witches Get Tax Breaks for Schooling

October 30, 2005

Source: Yahoo! News

Wire Service: AP

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051030/ap_on_fe_st/netherlands_witch_s_tax_break

On October 30, 2005 the Associated Press reported, "Dutch witches were guaranteed a financial treat when the Leeuwarden District Court reaffirmed their legal right to write off the costs of schooling — including in witchcraft — against their tax bills. Those costs run to thousands of euros. The case is brewing political fury in the halls of Dutch government where a member of parliament for the ruling Christian Democrats demanded an explanation. 'It's just because the word "witch" was mentioned that they have woken up,' said Margarita Rongen, clad in flowing black velvet robes and wearing a Wiccan talisman. 'This write-off has been around for a long time.' The court found that a witch can declare schooling costs if it increases the likelihood of employment."