Tax Deductions for Pet-Care Expenses Proposed

Tax Deductions for Pet-Care Expenses Proposed

Pet-care expenses would be tax deductible under a new measure introduced by U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.).
Posted: Wednesday, August 5, 2009, 6:03 p.m., EDT

Tax Deductions for Pet-Care Expenses ProposedHouse Resolution 3501, commonly referred to as the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years, or HAPPY Act, would amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual to deduct up to $3,500 for “qualified pet care expenses.”

“Qualified pet care expenses” is defined as “amounts paid in connection with providing care (including veterinary care) for a qualified pet other than any expense in connection with the acquisition of the qualified pet.”

“Qualified pet” is defined as “a legally owned, domesticated, live animal.” It does not include animals used for research or owned or used in conjunction with a trade or business.

The act would not apply for a person who deducted expenses under IRC sections 162 (ordinary and necessary expenses) and 213 (diagnostic and similar procedures, medical devices and other medical expenses not covered by insurance) during the preceding three taxable years.

http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/vet-breaking-news/2009/08/05/tax-deductions-for-pet-care-expenses-proposed.aspx

Southerners added sex to the 1964 Civil Rights Act thinking it would sink the bill. After all, giving women equal rights was beyond funny, it was absolutely ridiculous.
I wonder whether this republican's attempt to deduct pet care expenses is a similar tactic to sink health care reform.

Just wait, someone will introduce a bill for single payer pet health care.

makes more sense to me that vet expenses for a pet. Most need the vehicle to get to work - and frequent maintenance keeps it running, and more cleanly.

McCotter's bill is ridiculous.

Not to say that I won't take advantage if this were to pass, heh, it'd make me feel better about spending the big bucks to feed my dogs the expensive good food...

Naw, really, if we're gonna start handing out tax deductions this isn't where to start. There are a lot of pets being abandoned and of course it would be better if there were incentives to keep them in their homes but this doesn't seem to be the best way to handle it, not when so many are lacking their own health insurance, jobs, housing, etc.

Can't see it as much of a voter issue - but I might be wrong.

Perhaps he faces huge vet bills himself.

Now I can afford to take my Pet Rock to the Vet for a check-up. It's been looking a bit gray lately.

You're welcome.

the empty potato chip bag.

domesticated?

my kitty is a monster. truly!

she walks all over me. sasses me at every opportunity. bites, scratches me. never listens to a single command. does whatever she wants to do.

domesticated?

i don't think so.

Fixed it for you. He's my congressman, he's an absolute idiot,I speak from experience.

daughter is a veterinary nurse, I totally support this bill, no matter what his motivation.

If we were able to value (monetarily) our non-human friends in this manner, maybe we would treat them more "humanely."

And, for those who deride the (possible) strategy of sinking health care reform - so what. If it is the correct thing to do, then it is the correct thing to do. Sort of like supporting the current version of "reform" or the "public option," not because they are worthwhile on their own, but because it is a means to get to single-payer.

This is just another example of why the tax code is something like 180,000 pages.

I have multiple pets and one had an expensive surgery none of that should reduce my obligation to provide taxes for the common good.

A pet is an choice. When you get a pet you make a choice and that choice has benefits (I love my animals) but it also has costs. The govt shouldn't pay for (which is what happens when my otherwise legitimate tax bill is reduced) a choice I make.

Sorry the deduction is stupid however in its defense I would remove most deductions to boost revenue rather than raise taxes.

Keep same rates and remove most deductions. Simplify the tax code while improving revenue.

Maybe one day, humans will advance enough to respect and value all life. Until then, it is a battle each step of the way.

And this step would be one in the correct direction.

I guess it comes down to whether one believes that the creatures we share the planet with have value or not.

in DC that makes politian’s go insane.