New York lawyer sues IRS to recognize her dog as dependent; is it legally possible?
Posted on: Dec 27, 2025 11:27 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
A young house of york urban center attorney has filed a cause against the intragroup Revenue Service, arguing that her dog should qualify as a dependent under US tax law. According to USA Today, Amanda Reynolds filed the lawsuit on June 19 in the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York, seeking permission to claim her 8-year-old golden retriever, Finnegan Mary Reynolds, as a non-human dependent on her federal tax return.
In the complaint, Reynolds states that her dog is “entirely dependent” on her for survival and meets the functional requirements outlined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code, which defines who may be claimed as a dependent.
Reynolds told the court she spends more than $5,000 a year caring for Finnegan, covering expenses such as food, housing, veterinary services, grooming, transportation, daycare, and boarding, according to USA Today and The US Sun.
Also Read: IRS tax bracket breakdown: Income categories, capital gains and other details
“For all intents and purposes, Finnegan is like a daughter, and is definitely a ‘dependent,’” the lawsuit states, as quoted by both outlets.
Under current IRS rules, animals are classified as property and cannot be claimed as dependents. Dependency status is typically limited to children, relatives, or other qualifying individuals who meet income, residency, and support requirements.
The IRS does allow certain service animals to be claimed as deductible medical expenses, but other pets receive no comparable tax recognition, a distinction Reynolds argues is inconsistent, according to The US Sun.
Reynolds claims the exclusion of non-human dependents violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment by discriminating against taxpayers who provide substantial financial support to animals that are fully integrated into their households.
While acknowledging that the claim is “novel,” the lawsuit argues there is a rational basis for recognizing dogs as non-human companions entitled to limited civil recognition under tax law.
The filing asks the court to amend Section 152 of the tax code to allow dogs to qualify as non-human dependents. Alternatively, Reynolds is asking the IRS to establish criteria that would allow individual cases to be considered, according to USA Today.
The lawsuit also seeks to represent a broader class of dog owners whose spending on pet care meets or exceeds existing support thresholds but who receive no tax recognition.
The IRS has not yet responded publicly to the lawsuit.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.