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A Lawyer's Unconventional IRS Battle: Recognizing Pets as Dependents

Have you ever glanced at your pet-related expenses—such as vet bills, grooming fees, or specialty diet costs—and thought, “This furry friend is more than just a pet; they're definitely a dependent.” You're not alone. New York attorney Amanda Reynolds is currently making headlines by taking this argument to federal court, aiming to have her golden retriever, Finnegan, recognized as a legal dependent for tax purposes.

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In December 2025, Reynolds filed a lawsuit against the IRS, asking for a groundbreaking redefinition of what classifies as a dependent under federal tax law. The case has generated quite the buzz, opening up discussions on a common question: Are there any tax deductions available for pet expenses, and if not, why?

The Lawsuit: Eligibility Beyond Species

According to her complaint, Reynolds argues Finnegan satisfies IRS dependency criteria by living with her full-time, generating no income, and relying on her for over half of his support. National news coverage has even quoted Reynolds stating, “For all intents and purposes, Finnegan is like a daughter, and is definitely a ‘dependent.’” These assertions not only challenge existing IRS rules but also raise constitutional issues: the Equal Protection Clause for species-based discrimination and the Fifth Amendment concerning improper tax regulation.

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Currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, the case has hit a procedural delay as the IRS moves to dismiss it. A federal magistrate judge has highlighted the lawsuit's “novel but urgent question” while also pointing out its precarious legal standing, indicating that the case might not prevail.

Tax Code: Why Pets Aren't Dependents

Here lies the crux: federal tax law defines dependents as “individuals.” Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code stipulates that a dependent must be a “qualifying child” or “qualifying relative,” definitions traditionally interpreted to mean human beings exclusively. Thus, IRS documentation provides no avenue to list a pet as a dependent, aligning tax benefits—such as credits and deductions—strictly around human familial relationships and identities tied to Social Security or taxpayer ID numbers.

Existing Animal-Related Tax Benefits

While routine pet expenses generally aren't deductible, there are exceptions:

  • Service Animals: Costs related to trained service animals may be deductible as medical expenses, contingent on fulfilling detailed IRS criteria for itemized deductions. However, animals serving only as emotional support typically do not qualify.
  • Business Animals: Animals serving specific business purposes, like guard dogs or pest control, might qualify as deductible business expenses given sufficient documentation.
  • Foster Animals: Expenses incurred to foster animals for an eligible organization may count towards charitable contributions, provided strict record-keeping requirements are met.
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The Final Verdict for Taxpayers

While this litigation captivates many by tapping into the emotional bond humans share with their pets, tax law remains anchored in statutory language.

  • You can't claim a pet as a dependent on federal returns.
  • Basic pet care costs are personal expenditures and not tax-deductible.
  • Certain animal expenses may qualify as deductions, but only under specified conditions.

As Reynolds' lawsuit continues to unfold, it highlights a societal inclination to view pets as integral family members, contrasting sharply with tax policies demarcating family from property. Remember, before assuming a deduction's legitimacy, always verify its recognition under IRS rules.

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