Finally! I've been saying for years that there
should be some level of tax relief for those of us who dedicate our income to
our pets!
That there is actual legislation being drafted is certainly a step towards a lively conversation on the subject. It also validates what we already know about the importance of pets as part of the family.
Actor-director Robert Davi writes in The Washington Times:
That there is actual legislation being drafted is certainly a step towards a lively conversation on the subject. It also validates what we already know about the importance of pets as part of the family.
Actor-director Robert Davi writes in The Washington Times:
In 2008, the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association estimated that Americans spent more than $41 billion on their pets. Being allowed to use these expenses as deductions would positively affect the tax burden on a majority of American households. I am pleased to report that Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, Michigan Republican, is taking the lead on this, working closely with us to write legislation.
Using the tax code to encourage positive behavior is a common practice. About 500,000 Americans are able to receive a tax credit for up to $3,150 for owning gas-saving hybrid cars. Many cities and states also reward hybrid-vehicle owners with access to HOV lanes and additional tax breaks. Why not allow a tax exemption for pets that would reward Americans for behavior they already are following to improve their health and well-being?
Every city in America spends tens of millions of taxpayer dollars on programs for abandoned animals. Like many government-funded programs, they overspend and underperform. By contrast, a tax exemption for pets would add to the education and rescue efforts and bring an added incentive to responsible prospective pet owners. (Read the full article here.)
I feel the same as a lot of others posting, Yes it would be nice to get a tax deduction, for my pets, but I also agree with the fact that could open up a CAN of WORMS, to let out personal info. It very well could back fire. More then likely, it would be for the norm, someone has 1 or 2 dogs, and may be 1 or 2 cats. I have 4 small dogs, 3 are rescues, and I have 18 birds, and most are rescues, also have 2 rabbits that are rescues, and one cat. Yes it would be nice to get a tax deduction, on there care, as some need lots of care. But more then likely IRS. would only go by, the normal care, of animals. Not spechele needs. I do do not get any help for there care, but they all get what they need when they need it. They are like children to me, as I never was able to have children.
thank you for taking the time to read my post,
I think that people pets are their children and their lives as much as their real children, or if it is their childrens pet then it is just as special because of that child. What is the difference between a childless couple who spend their money on animals to help them and take care of them., they should be able to take off some of the expense of doing that they are helping make up for all the people that don't help animals. Yeas I think they should be able to take off for your pets. This could open a new can of worms and there would have to be a lots of rules and things that you have to do to prove that you have the animals , and your feeding them, and taking care of their health. But to people that truly love their animals, this would be nothing....
My dogs are my family too. I would like to see a special tax break for anyone who adopts a dog from a shelter or rescue group, and who has their dogs licensed and fixed. (This is just sensible behavior, considering the current crisis in the shelters.) To verify that the dog is still with the new owner, the vet would need to fill out a simple form online, after the yearly checkup. That way, it would be harder for people to abuse any new tax break, and the dogs will get their checkups. :)
I love 3 shih tzu to death, they are my kids. I spend all my money on them and I am trying to buy a house so that I never have to put on the spot betwwen renting a place and giving my dogs up or living with them on the street as housing in California are NOT PET FRIENDLY and for a single woman it is hard to live here anyway.
I treat my kids like family like they were human kids.
Why do I have to pay taxes so your kids can go to school and you do not have to help me so that my dogs have a healthy life? or so that I cna open a rescue for abandoned pets? I DO NOT WANT KIDS, JUST DOGS. Why shall i be punished for my choice.
I have animals in my house. They are family. I would probably accept a tax break because more money is good. But I don't know if I accept the logic used here to justify a tax break for animals as pets.
Having pets doesn't make people good-think Vick. Good people may have pets and care well for them. Having pets does not always lead to being good people.
Being raised with pets may or may not develop character. Sometimes, you get a psychopath.
Using the tax code to encourage behavior can be not good. It means you are reporting parts of your life to the government that is none of their business. They get control because the effect the money supply. You get dependent on it.
The Prius analogy is wrong. Driving small gas efficient cars is not natural American behavior. It has been tried before and failed. You are bribing people to by an import. People already have pets. No bribe needed. Having pets is its own reward.