BILL NUMBER: S832
SPONSOR: TEDISCO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the tax law, in relation to establishing a tax credit
for the cost of veterinary services; and providing for the repeal of
such provisions upon expiration thereof
 
PURPOSE:
This bill would allow dog and cat owners in New York State to claim a
state income-tax credit of 50 percent of their qualified veterinary
medical expenses up to $2,000 per year.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section one amends section 606 of the law by adding a new
subsection(bbb) creating the credit, and also establishing the credit's
parameters.
Section two sets forth the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The American Pet Products Association estimates that routine vet visits
cost an average of $235 for dogs and $196 for cats annually, while more
complex procedures can cost owners thousands of dollars. Often the
difficult choice for pet owners comes down to either paying for treat-
ment or euthanasia.
This bill is intended to ease the financial costs that come with pet
ownership by providing dog and cat owners with a state income-tax credit
of 50 percent of their qualified veterinary medical expenses, not to
exceed a maximum credit of $2,000 per year. Qualifying expenses are
those incurred for medical-related expenses paid to a licensed veterina-
rian, such as checkups, vaccinations, microchips, surgeries, and
prescriptions.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
03/29/17: S.5449 REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
01/03/18: S.5449 REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
01/16/19: S.1838 REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
01/08/20: S.1838 REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
01/14/21:S.1734 REFERRED TO BUDGET AND REVENUE
01/05/22:S.1734 REFERRED TO BDGET AND REVENUE
01/04/23:S.295 REFERRED TO BUDGET AND REVENUE
01/03/24:S.295 REFERRED TO BUDGET AND REVENUE
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
This would provide financial incentive for pet owners to get their pets
treated at veterinary clinics and hospitals.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S832: 606 tax law