Archive · 27 Dec 2025
Woman Sues IRS to Claim Dog as Tax Dependent
A woman named Amanda Reynolds has sued the IRS because she wants to claim her dog, Finnegan, as a tax dependent.
She spends over $5,000 a year on her dog's care, including food, grooming, and veterinary services.
Amanda argues that her dog meets the criteria for a dependent as outlined in the tax code, which includes sharing a residence and financial reliance.
However, the IRS says pets cannot be claimed as dependents for tax benefits.
Amanda hopes the court will either change the tax code to include dogs or create a way for individual cases to be considered.
The IRS has not yet responded to the lawsuit.
Amanda Reynolds, a New York attorney, has sued the IRS to claim her dog, Finnegan, as a tax dependent.
She spends over $5,000 annually on her dog's care, including boarding, daycare, and veterinary services.
Amanda argues that her dog meets the criteria for a dependent under Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code.
The IRS states that pets cannot be classified as dependents for tax benefits, which are typically reserved for children and certain relatives.
Amanda is seeking either an amendment to the tax code or the establishment of criteria to consider individual cases.
- Who
- Amanda Reynolds, a New York attorney, and her dog Finnegan Mary Reynolds
- What
- A lawsuit filed against the IRS to claim a dog as a tax dependent
- When
- The lawsuit was filed earlier this year
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To claim tax benefits for the financial support provided to her dog, arguing that the dog meets the criteria for a dependent under Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code
- Plaintiff
- Amanda Reynolds
- Dog's Name
- Finnegan Mary Reynolds
- Annual Spending on Dog
- $5,000
- IRS Section Cited
- Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code
- Year Dog Adopted
- 2016
- IRS Stance on Pets as Dependents
- Pets cannot be classified as dependents for tax benefits