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greenfreak
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Member since 9/06 11483 total posts
Name:
greenfreak
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Proposal for tax break for pet owners
I don't think it will ever happen, but would be happy if it did! I'm sure this will throw all the "how dare you treat your pets as kids" people into a tizzy. 
Congress considers $3,500 tax credit for pet owners
NBC -- If you own a dog, a cat or even a bird, you know pets are like family. Just like kids, they can also be expensive. So, wouldn't it be nice to get some of that money back at tax time?
Congress is now talking about this in Washington.
It's a great thing to some, but crazy to others.
At a time when Congress is dealing with reforming health care and saving jobs, a Michigan Congressman is proposing the HAPPY Act.
An acronym for "Humanity and Pets Partnered Through The Years," pet owners could deduct up to $3,500 in expenses.
That's only $150 less than parents deduct for children.
The only thing not included is the cost to buy or adopt the animal.
The question still is who would qualify?
The bill specifies it's for domesticated animals, but legislators might want to be a little more specific about exactly what that means.
The way it reads now, supplies for your rat, your bull python or even your bearded dragon would qualify.
"A lot of pet owners will want tax breaks," said John Calchera.
Even though he owns Pineville Pets, Calchera thinks the legislation is full of bull.
"The way I look at it is if they can't afford the pet, they shouldn't have it," he said.
He also worries about hoarding animals just to get a break. "I don't think we should be paying people to keep pets."
At doggie daycare Dogs All Day, owner Anita Williams likes the concept of a tax credit, but even she is skeptical it'll actually happen.
"People may look at it as a luxury. I like it, but I think it's a long shot," Williams said.
The Happy Act, known as H.R. 3501, is currently in the hands of the House Ways and Means Committee.
http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=188703&catid=3
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Posted 11/2/09 1:59 PM  |
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HelloThere
LIF Adolescent
Member since 3/09 553 total posts
Name:
Whooooo, me?
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Re: Proposal for tax break for pet owners
Posted by greenfreak
"The way I look at it is if they can't afford the pet, they shouldn't have it," he said.
He also worries about hoarding animals just to get a break. "I don't think we should be paying people to keep pets."
this is what I was thinking.. I think people would take in animals just for the tax break and not really want or love them.. 
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| Posted 11/2/09 3:03 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: Proposal for tax break for pet owners
Posted by HelloThere
Posted by greenfreak
"The way I look at it is if they can't afford the pet, they shouldn't have it," he said.
He also worries about hoarding animals just to get a break. "I don't think we should be paying people to keep pets."
this is what I was thinking.. I think people would take in animals just for the tax break and not really want or love them..
this is my gut too. I think it's a VERY bad idea.
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| Posted 11/2/09 4:06 PM |
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greenfreak
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Member since 9/06 11483 total posts
Name:
greenfreak
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Re: Proposal for tax break for pet owners
Doesn't mean they can't set a limit on the deduction. Obviously, they wouldn't reward it for 10 dogs.
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| Posted 11/2/09 4:25 PM |
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Christine
2nd verse same as the 1st
Member since 5/05 15287 total posts
Name:
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Re: Proposal for tax break for pet owners
How on earth would this be regulated? Does this mean my cat will need a social security number? Or will I be getting a tax form or something from PetSmart and the vet to verify my pet expenses?
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| Posted 11/3/09 12:31 AM |
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Diana712
RIP my beloved Brother Richard
Member since 5/07 6710 total posts
Name:
Diana
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Re: Proposal for tax break for pet owners
Posted by Goobster
Posted by HelloThere
Posted by greenfreak
"The way I look at it is if they can't afford the pet, they shouldn't have it," he said.
He also worries about hoarding animals just to get a break. "I don't think we should be paying people to keep pets."
this is what I was thinking.. I think people would take in animals just for the tax break and not really want or love them..
this is my gut too. I think it's a VERY bad idea.
ita
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| Posted 11/3/09 8:48 AM |
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TheLorax
LOVE
Member since 2/06 5581 total posts
Name:
Suzanne / SuzBride
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Re: Proposal for tax break for pet owners
Posted by dilb712
Posted by Goobster
Posted by HelloThere
Posted by greenfreak
"The way I look at it is if they can't afford the pet, they shouldn't have it," he said.
He also worries about hoarding animals just to get a break. "I don't think we should be paying people to keep pets."
this is what I was thinking.. I think people would take in animals just for the tax break and not really want or love them..
this is my gut too. I think it's a VERY bad idea.
ita
Perhaps a tax break (smaller than proposed - more just like a reimbursement for medical expenses) could be given to owners who show proof of spaying/neutering? Or keeping their pets shots up to date? So then there is a financial benefit, and also a benefit of helping control the population and keeping it healthy. I remember talking to my vet when the economy took a swing for the worst, and he told me alot of his clients don't keep up with their pets shots/care in hard times. I just felt so sad for all those pets!
I think in a perfect world where the tax break would be used for the good of the pets, this would be a great idea, but I agree that it would likely result in too many people adopting animals that they don't really want or have the ability to care for in 'the real world'. ALas...
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| Posted 11/4/09 9:46 PM |
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