A new bill to allow individuals and families to deduct the cost of adopting pets from local government facilities and charitable organizations has been set to be heard before the California Assembly Revenue and Tax Committee on Monday, April 20. California Assembly Bill 233, as introduced, would allow for taxable years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2010, and before Jan. 1, 2015, a deduction under that law for the adoption fees paid during the taxable year by taxpayers for pet adoption from a qualified animal-rescue organization. A “qualified animal-rescue organization” means any city, county, or city and county animal-control agency or shelter, or an animal-adoption organization that is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, the bill states. This measure seeks to curb the amount spent annually by local governments in dealing with abandoned cats and dogs, which is estimated at $100 million. The deduction allowed may not exceed $300, the bill states. AB 233, introduced by assemblyman Cameron Smyth, R-Santa Clarita, would take effect immediately as a tax levy. <HOME>
