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Would you like to be able to take a tax deduction for your pet?
With tax day here in the United States just around the corner, like many of you, I’ve been calculating my federal and state tax debts. As a result, I’ve categorized my expenses and calculated how much money I’ve spent on my cats over the past year.
Please understand, I’m not complaining about the cost of caring for them. They provide much more in terms of companionship and comfort than I could possibly calculate a dollar figure to cover. Still, I can’t help thinking that it would be nice to be able to take a deduction from my taxes for their care.
In all honesty, I understand all of the problems inherent in this idea. I know with the cost of the national debt as high as it is, a tax discount for pet owners is unlikely at best and probably not in the best interest of our country.
On the other hand, for most of us, our pets are part of our family. We care for them in much the same way we care for our children. So, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to take even a small deduction?
Okay, I’ll put it to your vote. What do you think? Would you like to be able to able to earn a tax break for keeping your pets? Or do you think the thought is totally irrational?
Photo Courtesy of Jesse?/Flickr.com
About Lorie Huston, DVM
Lorie Huston is a veterinarian, pet health and pet care expert, professional writer, blogger, social media and blogging consultant, and SEO strategist.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Do I have to say it?
YES!!!!! Though I don’t see it happening. In fact just recently I read an article quite to the opposite (California it was I think)
On the other hand though, some time back they had a flyer at the gym where they were trying to make gym membership tax deductible. Reasoning? Better for your health, cheaper for the country. So maybe it could be done on this bases. There does seem to be evidence that people with pets, dogs in particular, are healthier = cheaper for the country …
Boy wouldn’t that be nice. We all know how much we spent on Jasmine…
Tried to pass them deductible as security. Our old accountant, after seeing the guys actually did put it in! The new one seems reluctant – but hasn’t bet the guys yet. LOL
It would be nice, wouldn’t it, Jana? But I don’t see it happening either. And there are a lot of good reasons that it shouldn’t happen. Still, I can’t help thinking
While I would love to deduct my pet care from my taxes, it opens the door for any awful abusive person to collect animals for tax purposes.
That’s very true, Karen. And another good reason why it’s probably not a good idea!
Well there is a way of doing just that, deducting pet care from your tax bill. Do volunteer work at a kennel or shelter near you, all miles to and from are tax deductible. Keep volunteering until you cover the cost of your pet’s upkeep, it’s a win win thing.
What a wonderful idea! Thanks for the suggestion