A woman is suing the IRS to get pets classified as dependents and eligible for tax deductions

[Elderberry]

Independent by Isabel Keane 12/15/2025

The woman argued that her dog ‘is like my daughter’ and ‘definitely’ a dependent

A lawyer and her golden retriever are suing the Internal Revenue Service to try and get pets classified as legal dependents – a change that would have some tax benefits for pet owners.

Canine Finnegan Mary Reynolds and her owner, attorney Amanda Reynolds, filed a lawsuit in the Eastern District of New York, arguing that the pooch relies entirely on Reynolds for food, shelter, medical care, training, transportation and more, Forbes reported.

Reynolds argued that Finnegan, an eight-year-old golden retriever, has no independent income, resides exclusively with her and has annual expenses exceeding $5,000 – all requirements for a legal human dependent under IRS rules.

More: https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/irs-lawsuit-pets-classified-dependents-b2885034.html

[andy58-in-nh]

Ummmmm.... no.

General rules for dependents

These rules generally apply to all dependents:

• A dependent must be a U.S. citizen, resident alien or national or a resident of Canada or Mexico
• A person can't be claimed as a dependent on more than one tax return, with rare exceptions
• A dependent can't claim a dependent on their own tax return
• You can't claim your spouse as a dependent if you file jointly
• A dependent must be a qualifying child or qualifying relative

Qualifying child

To qualify as a dependent, a child must also pass these tests:

• Relationship: Be your son, daughter, stepchild, eligible foster child, brother, sister, half-sister or -brother, stepbrother, stepsister, adopted child or the child of one of these
• Age: Be under age 19 or under 24 if a full-time student, or any age if permanently and totally disabled
• Residency: Live with you for more than half the year, with some exceptions
• Support: Get more than half their financial support from you
• Joint return: Not file as married filing jointly unless only to claim a refund of taxes paid or withheld

Qualifying relative

A qualifying relative must meet general rules for dependents and pass these tests:

• Not a qualifying child: Isn't your qualifying child or the qualifying child of any other taxpayer
• Member of household or relationship: Lives with you all year as a member of your household or is a specific type of relative
• Gross income: Has gross income under $5,050
• Support: Gets more than half their financial support from you

See the full rules for a qualifying relative

Source: IRS Publication 501.

[DefiantMassRINO]

"fur baby" is figurative.  Not literal.

Why not claim plants as dependents?  Plantfood ain't free.  What if I want to save to send my Coleus to College?

[Wingnut]

"fur baby" is figurative.  Not literal.

Why not claim plants as dependents?  Plantfood ain't free.  What if I want to save to send my Coleus to College?

"Feed me Seymore!"

[bigheadfred]

I don't think our cat would have qualified.  Didn't speak a word of English. And really liked refried beans.   

[cato potatoe]

Keeping a large dog healthy and groomed is expensive.  Maybe she should try a pygmy goat.

[Kamaji]

She'll be lucky she doesn't get penalized for taking a frivolous position.

[Smokin Joe]

Why doesn't she identify as a dog then not pay taxes at all.  It would seem simpler.

It's the IRS. She'd be barking up the wrong tree.

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

And then she can list all her goldfish as dependents and so on and so forth...