The Local Girl 
At The New Jersey Girl, our pets are critical members of the team. They provide comic relief, cuddles after a stressful day, and making time for walkies is a good reminder to take a break from our screens. One New Jersey lawmaker has proposed a tax credit that would give pet parents a break for qualified expenses, which include both medical expenses and toys and treats. Read on for more about the New Jersey Pet Tax Credit proposal.
About the Proposal
Assemblyman Alex Sauickie (R) represents New Jersey Legislative District 12, which includes Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties. Bill A4995 establishes a gross income tax credit for certain household pet expenses. The bill would provide up to $300 in tax credits per pet per taxpayer, up to three pets, for qualified medical expenses and qualified everyday pet care expenses.
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Per the bill, a household pet is defined as “a dog or cat kept for the primary purpose of companionship and is normally maintained in or near the residence of the taxpayer.” While rabbits, birds, reptiles, and fish are also common household pets, they are not included in this provision.
The term “qualified everyday pet expense” is defined as expenses incurred for items purchased that are essential for the care of a household pet, including, but not limited to, food, crates, leashes, litter boxes, litter, harnesses, collars, grooming supplies, and toys designed for animal use. Certain canine members of the NJG team will be glad to learn that treats could be a qualified expense.
The term “qualified medical or veterinary expenses” is defined as expenses incurred for the services of a licensed veterinarian for the purpose of maintaining and supporting the overall health of the household pet, including, but not limited to, annual exams, medications, emergency care, and diagnostic testing. All canine and feline members of the NJG team acknowledge the utility of this provision, but do not enjoy it.
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The bill was introduced on May 7th and referred to the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee. The New Jersey Girl has reached out to Assemblyman Sauickie’s office for a comment and will update this piece when we hear back.
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