If you foster a cat or a dog in the state of California, you can now claim it on your taxes! For animal lovers and rescuers like me, this is a game changer, financially speaking. As a result of Van Dusen v. Commissioner, a case in which a California animal foster fought the IRS and won, animal rescuers fostering for approved charities (those are not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charities) may claim the expenses during tax time! Holy paws!
Fosters know that expenses add up quickly, especially if fostering more than one animal at a time or fostering year-round. Now, anything from food, medicines, and veterinary bills, to crates and garbage bags, are eligible for deduction! Even a portion of utilities can be considered an expense as long as a specific area of your home is only used for the care of the foster animal(s).
Just save all receipts, and, if expenses add up to more than $250 for the year, you qualify! You’ll need to obtain a letter from the charitable organization that confirms your volunteer or foster status, but that part is easy.
So go on and keep doing good! It’ll be rewarding come tax time. :)
Note: In addition to animal rescue, these tax laws apply to all volunteer expenses related to charitable work for an approved organization. Woohoo!
This is a great post!
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