A New York attorney and her golden retriever are suing the IRS in an effort to get pets classified as legal dependents.
Amanda Reynolds and her dog, 8-year-old Finnegan, filed the lawsuit in the Eastern District of New York, arguing the dog relies entirely on her for food, shelter, medical care, training and transportation, according to Forbes.
Reynolds also argued her dog has no independent income, resides exclusively with her and has annual expenses exceeding $5,000 — fitting the requirements the agency lays out for a legal dependent. While the IRS defines pets as property, Reynolds told QZ the directive does not reflect her dog’s role in her life.
“For all intents and purposes, Finnegan is like my daughter, and is definitely a ‘dependent,’” Reynolds argued, adding that while it may seem unusual, the lawsuit is not “frivolous or meritless.”
She said the IRS rules are an unfair burden on taxpayers, since the agency already states that some pets, such as service animals, can qualify for tax advantages.
Judge James M. Wicks, who is overseeing the case, has granted a motion to pause the discovery process, as the IRS is likely to file a motion to dismiss.
