Your Pet's Tax Return If your pet had to file its own tax return, what would be on it?
Speaking of Pets April 12, 2008
by Mindy Norton
April 15th is almost here - have you filed your tax return yet?
You know, one common complaint I hear from pet owners is that expenses like health costs for their pets are not tax-deductible.
It sure seems to them that veterinary expenses would be just as deductible as payments to people doctors. After all, their pets are members of their families.
In fact, a friend suggested that maybe pets should file their own tax returns. Then surely they could deduct the costs for their medical care, like checkups, shots, things like that.
Don't forget to count the premiums for pet health insurance, too.
If your pet is on a special diet, that should be deductible as long as it has been prescribed by the veterinarian.
It's always nice to get credit for dependents, but because we discourage unwanted litters maybe that's not such a good idea.
In areas where pets are required to be licensed, those fees would certainly be deductible on your pet's return.
Then you have to count supplies, like collars to hang those license tags on.
And don't forget leashes. Since fines and penalties are never deductible you surely won't be able to deduct the cost of a citation for being in violation of local ordinances.
What else might be deductible on a pet's tax return?
Well, since the major part of a pet's responsibility or "job" is to be a companion to its owner, travel costs might be deductible as a business expense. That could include transportation, boarding, even those extra pet surcharges some hotels and motels charge to allow your best friend to stay in the room with you.
Now, what about income?
Most companion animals don't really have any income – at least not in dollars and cents. They get paid in treats and petting and affection.
But as much as animals may benefit from their relationship with people, it is we humans who enjoy the greatest benefit, the unconditional love that only a pet can give.
It may not be taxable but it's a great return on your investment, when you're speaking of pets.
Speaking of Pets with host Mindy Norton (pets@apr.org) is for people who care about pets and about humane treatment for animals in general, and who want to celebrate that special relationship between us and our animal companions. Find out more about Speaking of Pets at Alabama Public Radio.
