Tax time: Treadies can claim tax deductions on their dogs! 天外飞砖2010-07-04 01:34:51
Tradesman Jordan Rockett didn't know his two staffies Nala and Indie could be claimed as a tax deduction. Picture: Ella Pellegrini Source: The Sunday Telegraph
- Dogs can be claimed as tax deduction
- ATO confirms new rule will take effect
- Move has been welcomed by tradesmen
MAN'S best friend could save you big bickies, with the tax office confirming many Australians can claim their dogs as a legitimate deduction.
Expenses - including vet and pet food bills - qualified as a tax deduction if your hound helped with work or was connected to any type of income generation, the Australian Tax Office said.
Dogs used on farms and to round up sheep qualified, and even tradesmen's pets who guarded tools in utes were eligible.
An ATO spokesman said there were no specific rules on which pets qualified for tax breaks.
But deductions could be claimed "provided you can show that your pet is used in the course of income production, for instance as workhorses, guard or guide dogs, or sheep herders".
"Each case is taken on its merits, but the cost of maintaining and feeding those animals can form a legitimate part of tax claims," the spokesman said.
Sydney bricklayer Jordan Rockett or Narabeen didn't know his two American staffordshire bull terriers could be claimed as a legitimate tax deduction.
Mr Rockett spends $30 to $40 a week on food for his dogs, Nala and Indie, as well as $500 a year on vet bills.
"It's a great thing to know with tax time coming up," he said.
"I know people take dogs to work to guard their tools so it makes sense."
Victorian plumber Trevor Rowe was also unaware of the doggy tax break.
The Box Hill South resident said he would happily bring Hungarian vizsla Millie and German short-haired pointer Gus to work if it meant he could claim their expenses.
"It would save me a truckload of cash," Mr Rowe said.
"They're great watchdogs.
"Every house you go to that's being built, someone has a dog with them. And I'm guessing there will be a lot more dogs on sites if you can claim them."