Tax Law
Lawyer sues IRS to recognize her dog as legal dependent
An attorney licensed in Utah and New York is suing the IRS, seeking to force the agency to recognize her dog as a dependent for tax purposes. (Image from Shutterstock)
An attorney licensed in Utah and New York is suing the IRS, seeking to force the agency to recognize her dog as a dependent for tax purposes, according to Forbes.
Lawyer Amanda Reynolds filed her lawsuit in the Eastern District of New York together with Finnegan Mary Reynolds—her 8-year-old golden retriever— saying the dog is entirely dependent on her for food, shelter, medical care, training, transportation and daily living, Forbes reports.
Finnegan has no independent income, resides exclusively with her, and has annual expenses exceeding $5,000, meaning that the pooch satisfies the elements of dependency from the IRS.
Magistrate Judge James M. Wicks, though, has granted a motion to stay discovery pending the anticipated motion to dismiss from the IRS, Forbes reports.
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