5 principais deduções fiscais para donos de animais de estimação em 2022

Após as consequências econômicas da pandemia do COVID-19, todos poderiam usar uma pausa em seus impostos. Embora cuidar de animais de estimação possa parecer um trabalho de tempo integral, você não pode declarar animais de estimação como dependentes de impostos, mas pode ser capaz de amortizar as despesas com animais de estimação se você atender a determinados critérios, ajudando a manter mais do seu suado dinheiro no bolso.

Aqui está tudo o que você precisa saber sobre como reivindicar deduções fiscais para animais de estimação em 2022 :

• Você pode anular as despesas com animais de estimação?
• Como você pode reivindicar animais de estimação em impostos?
  1. Dedução de impostos para animais de serviço e apoio emocional
  2. Deduções fiscais para animais de trabalho
  3. Deduções fiscais para animais de desempenho
  4. Dedução de impostos para animais domésticos
  5. Despesas de mudança dedutíveis para animais de estimação
• Como reivindicar animais de estimação em sua declaração de imposto
  • Dedução padrão x dedução detalhada
• Principais conclusões
• Perguntas frequentes

Você pode dar baixa nas despesas com animais de estimação?

Você pode reivindicar seu animal de estimação em seus impostos, mas apenas em situações específicas que geralmente se aplicam a animais de serviço e renda comercial. Existem diferentes deduções fiscais para animais de estimação para as quais você pode se qualificar, o que permitiria a amortização de despesas com animais de estimação, como:

• Contas veterinárias
• Tratamento médico
• Alimentos e suprimentos
• Aulas de treinamento
• Serviços de tosa
• Custos de transporte
• Taxas de embarque
• Seguro para animais de estimação

Como você pode reivindicar impostos sobre animais de estimação?

Abaixo, estão as cinco deduções fiscais mais comuns para animais de estimação para as quais você pode se qualificar em 2022 . Fale com seu contador para obter os melhores conselhos sobre como reivindicar seu animal de estimação para fins fiscais.

1. Dedução de impostos para animais de serviço e apoio emocional

A maioria das pessoas não pode deduzir despesas médicas com animais de estimação em sua declaração de imposto, mas qualquer pessoa pode deduzir despesas médicas pagas durante o ano fiscal que excedam 7,5% de sua renda bruta ajustada usando o Anexo A (Formulário 1040). Portanto, você pode reivindicar animais de estimação em seus impostos se eles o ajudarem em uma capacidade médica ou realizarem determinados serviços.

Por exemplo, aqueles que são deficientes e dependem de um animal de serviço para assistência podem reivindicar um cão como uma despesa médica qualificada . Você só pode amortizar despesas com animais de estimação para cães que realizam serviços específicos, como estes:



Em alguns casos, você pode declarar seu cão em seus impostos solicitando uma dedução de imposto para animais de apoio emocional . Mas lembre-se de que, embora todos os animais de estimação possam fornecer apoio emocional, nem todos os animais de estimação se qualificam como animais de apoio emocional (ESA) , também conhecido como cão de terapia.

Para reivindicar seu cão-guia em uma declaração de imposto, você deve provar que seu animal ajuda a tratar uma necessidade mental ou física diagnosticada . Esteja preparado para fornecer uma nota do seu médico como prova de que você precisa de um animal de serviço ou de apoio.

2. Deduções fiscais para animais de trabalho

Se você é proprietário de uma empresa, pode obter uma dedução fiscal para animais de estimação que prestam um serviço para sua empresa. Nesse caso, você reivindicaria uma dedução de despesas comerciais , então você precisa provar que o custo de manter seu animal de estimação é uma parte necessária das operações .

For example, you might be able to claim a deduction if you rely on a cat to protect your business from pests, or take a deduction for dogs working on your farm to protect livestock from prey.

If you want to claim pets as a business expense , hold on to all your receipts related to their caretaking. Examples of expenses you can write off include food and veterinarian costs. You should also keep a record of how much time the animal spends at your business.

3. Tax Deductions for Performance Animals

If your pets perform in some way that earns you income, you may be able to claim them (and their related costs) as a business expense . For example, some people ride horses as a hobby, but if you perform by riding a horse and make an income from it, the IRS might consider the cost of caring for that horse as a qualified business expense .

If your dog appears in commercials, television shows, movies, or print advertisements, they could also be considered part of a business venture . The same could be true if your cat is the star of your monetized YouTube channel, in which case they may qualify for influencer tax write-offs .

Just be sure to keep accurate records of every expense related to your pet and the activity that earns income . This might include the money you spend on monthly pet insurance premiums as a means to protect your business investment.

4. Fostered Pet Deduction

If you foster animals, you might be able to get a tax break on your income return. Every expense made on caring for foster animals could be deducted as charitable donations, so long as the animals are from a qualified nonprofit organization.

Most nonprofits will pay for the cost of food and veterinary care for the animals you foster, but any necessity you pay for out-of-pocket is a tax-deductbile pet expense.

If you volunteer at animal shelters or rescue organizations, you may be able to deduct fuel costs , so keep track of your mileage. Note that this pet tax deduction only applies to driving done in service to the organization’s mission, not to your commute.

5. Tax-Deductible Moving Expenses For Pets

Finally, you may be able to claim pet expenses on taxes if you spent money transferring them to a new home in 2021. However, you can only write off pet expenses related to moves that meet certain conditions established by the IRS:

• The move must closely relate to the start of work.
• Your new primary job location must be at least 50 miles farther from your old home than your previous job location.
• After the move, you must work full-time at your new job for at least 39 weeks the first year.

How to claim pets on your tax return

In order to claim your dog or cat on a tax return, rather than taking a standard deduction, you’ll need to write off pet expenses as itemized deductions .

Standard Deduction vs. Itemized Deduction

When most people file their taxes, they take the standard deduction , a pre-set number (updated annually) that the IRS allows you to deduct from your taxable income without any questions asked. When filing in 2022 for the 2021 tax year , the standard tax deduction that you can claim based on your filing status is:

• Married filing jointly - $25,100
• Married filing separately - $12,550
• Single - $12,550
• Head of household - $18,800

Alternatively, you can also itemize deductions by adding up the dollar amount of each qualified expense in 2021. That’s how you can claim pets on taxes, including their vet bills, pet insurance, food supplies, and more. Just remember to keep receipts on record to support every pet expense you claim, as well as proof that your pet is tax deductible , to safeguard against an IRS audit.

However, if all of your itemized deductions from the 2021 tax year don’t amount to much, you’re probably better off taking the standard deduction versus claiming your pet on a return .

If you think the amount that you can write off in pet expenses (in addition to all other tax deductions you may qualify for) is greater than the standard deduction, then it’s worth calculating the total amount, so you can get the biggest tax break possible. We recommend talking to a professional for help.

Principais conclusões

• The IRS allows pet-related tax deductions for those who meet specific qualifying criteria.
• If you have a pet that works in service or industry, or you work with a charitable organization, this may apply to your tax return.
• It's best to consult with a tax professional who can determine your eligibility before claiming deductions for pets.

Perguntas frequentes

Is a pet a dependent?

No, pets are not considered dependents for tax purposes.

What are common pet expenses you can write off on a tax return?

Veterinary bills, pet insurance, food, supplies, training, grooming, boarding, and transportation costs are all examples of pet expenses you can write off on taxes. However, you can only claim pets on taxes if they meet certain criteria, such as contributing to income or serving a medical need. Talk to a professional to see if you can file your dog or cat on your taxes.

Are pet medical expenses tax-deductible?

Yes, pet medical expenses are tax-deductible for pets that are classified as service animals or working animals. You might also be able to claim vet bills on taxes for pets you foster, provided that the nonprofit organization you work for is registered with the IRS and has not reimbursed you for the service.

If you’re looking for a way to get reimbursed for your family pet’s medical expenses, pet insurance is a great tool that can help reduce veterinary expenses in the future.

Are there any pet deductions people are surprised to hear that they can't take?

Most of the pet deductions people typically think of — such as claiming vet bills on taxes or writing off pet insurance — are actually eligible write-offs for those that qualify. However, many taxpayers are surprised to find they can’t claim a pet on a tax return due to the classification of the animal, or lack of sufficient proof required to support the pet deduction. Others are surprised to learn that you can’t claim pets as dependents on taxes.

What kind of proof do people need to show that they have a service animal or a working animal?

For services animals, the The IRS explains that the animal will likely have to be trained and/or certified to help treat a diagnosed illness or condition — and you may need a doctor's note describing the medical necessity. For a working animal, you'll likely have to prove that the animal is "ordinary and necessary" in your line of business.

Does a "pet influencer" count under any of those categories?

Always check with a tax professional, but it looks like if your dog or cat is the star of a monetized YouTube channel, for example, they might be classified as a performance animal. In which case expenses related to your pet and the activity that earns income could be eligible for influencer tax write-offs.

When might people want to write off pet expenses as itemized tax deductions?

Always consult a tax professional, but generally, people determine if their itemized deductions exceed the standard deduction amount before deciding to itemize.

What kind of pet-related moving expenses would be tax-deductible?

If you had to move for work, those moving expenses (including any involved in transporting your pet) could be eligible for a deduction, such as professional carrier services, transportable crates, lodging fees, etc.

What are other tips for how a pet owner might save money on pet-related expenses?

Two big ones. (1) Preventive/routine care appointments play a major role in helping health issues before they get too expensive, so please schedule regular vet appointments. (2) Pet insurance is a great way to hedge the financial risk of unexpected accidents, illnesses, and emergencies — and there are no health networks to worry about. Pet insurance can reimburse you for up to 100% or more of the vet bill after your annual deductible is met, which can be a literal life (and wallet) saver, as serious health issues can easily cost thousands to treat.