Should Pets Count as Dependants?

Currently, pets are considered "property" by the IRS, and are not eligible for human-dependent tax benefits.

A lawyer is in the news because she’s suing the IRS, demanding that people’s pets count as legal dependents, like human family members for tax relief. It may sound silly at first. But is it that crazy?

In a survey, 97% of American pet owners say they consider their pets to be “part of their family.” Those pets are “dependent” on humans for food, shelter, medical care, training, transportation, and daily living. She says her eight-year-old golden retriever has no independent income…resides exclusively with her and has annual expenses exceeding $5,000. That satisfies the IRS intent of “dependency”…except being human. Currently, pets are considered “property” by the IRS, and are not eligible for human-dependent tax benefits.