A measure introduced by U.S. Representative Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich) aims to make pet care expenses tax-deductible, The Michigan Messenger reports.
Introduced on July 31, HR 3501, commonly referred to as the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years or HAPPY Act, would amend the IRS code to allow an individual to deduct up to $3500 in a taxable year for qualified pet care expenses. The bill defines qualified as “amounts paid in connection with providing care (including veterinary care) for a qualified pet expense other than any expense in connection with the acquisition of the qualified pet.”
The bill further defines a qualified pet as a “legally owned, domesticated, live animal” and does not include animals used for research or owned or used in conjunction with trade or business.
The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. It has the support of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), a trade association representing the pet industry, which states in its Pet Alert issued on August 5
“Providing pet owners the opportunity to deduct pet care expenses is an important step towards ensuring that pet owners provide adequate veterinary and other necessary pet care. It encourages responsible pet ownership and will hopefully reduce the abandonment of pets by people struggling as a result of the economic downturn.”
You can view all the details of HR 3501 here:
Comments
Wow, what an awesome bill!! I doubt it will gain any steam, but it's a bill I'd be totally behind.
I could certainly use this with four dogs and two cats.
Yet another example of how our society is putting pets on the same level as people. They are not. There are people who adopt children with special needs and they deserve to get a tax deduction.
This is great news! As a society, I feel we do have a responsibility to take care of the animals in our lives as well as the people and any tax deductions will help. Pets can be very expensive when taken care of properly.
This is such a load of bulls**t. A complete waste of tax dollars. There is no "right" to own a pet at the expense of the rest of us. Typical democratic lets find a way to spend more money and make the "rich" pay. Take some personal responsibility and don't ask your neighbors to pay for your pet.
Steve, you're an idiot. This bill was proposed by a Republican. I think this is a great plan. My pets provide more to society than most peoples' children and will be less of a burden to society in 70 years.
I'd rather be able to deduct credit card interest.
Steve and Ferrell - I whole heartedly agree with Gary! And Steve, what is the difference between a 'right' to own a pet as opposed to a 'right' to have a kid? I know plenty of people that have kids that really have no business reproducing!
This is a great idea.
Steve do you have kids? Do you take responsibility and turn down other people's taxes to pay for your kids? Personally I would rather my taxes go towards the care of other people's pets.
Having two dogs (one that is extremely handicap)I 100% support this humble bill!! I love animals and people that take care of there pets should be recognized. Ferrell and Steve obviously you are haters!!!
I pay for your kids to attend Public School; maybe you should pay the full fair?
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