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Woman sues IRS to have pets classified as dependents
Attorney Amanda Reynolds and her dog argue pets meet IRS dependency criteria but are excluded, affecting millions of U.S. pet owners who face an unequal tax burden.
- Recently, attorney Amanda Reynolds filed a complaint in the Eastern District of New York asking courts to recognize pets as legal dependents for tax purposes.
- Reynolds argues Finnegan Mary Reynolds relies entirely on her for food, shelter, medical care, training, transportation, has no income, lives exclusively with her, and costs over $5,000 annually under section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code.
- The court paused discovery after the Internal Revenue Service argued defects in the complaint, and Magistrate Judge James M. Wicks granted a stay while the IRS prepares a motion to dismiss.
- Because the Internal Revenue Service treats pets as property, the Internal Revenue Code section 152’s use of "individual" excludes animals, and Magistrate Judge James M. Wicks noted constitutional claims face limits.
- The case remains active: the Department of Justice declined to comment and Amanda Reynolds expects a motion to dismiss shortly, planning to oppose it; if successful, pet owners could seek tax breaks like the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit.
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New York attorney sues IRS, arguing her golden retriever is a dependent
According to the complaint, the dog relies entirely on Reynolds for food, shelter, medical care, training, transportation and daily living needs, has no independent income, lives exclusively with her and has annual expenses exceeding $5,000.
·Seattle, United States
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Lawyer Sues IRS To Classify Pets As Tax Dependents
Attorney Amanda Reynolds and her eight-year-old golden retriever Finnegan Mary Reynolds filed a lawsuit in the Eastern District of New York seeking to classify pets as legal dependents for tax purposes. Reynolds argues Finnegan relies entirely on her for food, shelter, medical care, training and transportation, has no independent income, lives exclusively with her, and costs over $5,000 annually. "For all intents and purposes, Finnegan is like m…
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Total News Sources16
Leaning Left2Leaning Right2Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution69% Center
Bias Distribution
- 69% of the sources are Center
69% Center
L 16%
C 69%
15%
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