Anyone who takes care of a four-legged friend knows it well: having an animal in the family involves, in addition to the infinite baggage of pampering and joy, also all those small or large expenses that are necessary for its maintenance and health. .

In particular, veterinary expenses , including ordinary ones – such as vaccinations and various checkups – and (unfortunately) unpredictable ones, are usually among the most expensive expenses to be incurred , which are added to the overall family budget.

However, as many will already know, fortunately veterinary expenses are also deductible from the annual tax return , just like all the other medical expenses we incur for the rest of the family, in order to obtain relief and reimbursements.

Let’s see what are the rules to be respected, the precautions to be taken and the news on the subject that apply from 2020.

DEDUCTION OF VETERINARY EXPENSES: WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT WORKS

In the meantime, let’s start with the basic information. When we talk about “Deductible veterinary expenses” , we mean those charges that can be downloaded with the tax return (both with the 730 model and with the Unico model) and which provide for the possibility of obtaining a reduction in the personal income tax (in short, a “discount” on taxes ).

As for other medical expenses, the deduction is equal to 19% , but can only be obtained if the minimum threshold of € 129.11 which constitutes the deductible is exceeded. In fact, 19% is calculated only on the expenditure incurred above this amount.

What does this mean? That if during 2019 we have spent an amount below this threshold, it will not be necessary to include this item in the tax return, as you will not be entitled to any deductions.

A maximum spending ceiling was also set on which to calculate 19%, which for 2019 amounted to € 387.34.

DEDUCTIBLE VETERINARY EXPENSES: NEW 2020

The first and most important novelty of 2020 regarding the deductibility of veterinary expenses is that of raising the maximum deductible expense threshold up to € 500., compared to € 387.34 the previous year. You can then get one maximum deduction of € 70.46 compared to € 49 and in 2019.

Even if it’s a small increase, it’s still a big step forward for the people who care for their beloved furry dogs every day.

However, a clarification must be made here: the spending limit is unique and cumulative regardless of the number of animals we have in the house.

The deductible, on the other hand, remains unchanged at € 129.11, as does the deductible amount at 19%.

The second important novelty of 2020 is that in order to benefit from this deduction, it is necessary to pay with traceable currency and not in cash. Go ahead instead for credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers or checks.

Here are exactly the expenses that can be deducted , in relation to the care of our beloved puppies:

  • Veterinary medical visits
  • Vaccinations
  • Surgical operations
  • Laboratory analysis
  • Medicines with regular medical prescription (both for veterinary and human use).

However, these expenses are not included :

  • Non-prescription drugs
  • Pesticides
  • Special feed

HOW TO OBTAIN DEDUCTION FOR VETERINARY EXPENSES

All tax documents certifying the expenses incurred (talking receipts, invoices, receipts, etc.) must be presented to the person who draws up the tax return . bearing the tax code of the owner of the animal .

Attention. Then there is another very important document to present, very often underestimated or completely neglected: it is thecertificate certifying the ownership of the animal (or animals) for which the expenses to be deducted have been incurred. Indeed without this document it is not possible to benefit from the deduction. In fact, only expenses incurred for legally held animals are subject to deduction.

This document can be issued by the competent ASL, or by the veterinarian when we bring our four-legged friend to him for the first time.

In the case of dogs it is easier to already be in possession of this document, from the moment in which there is the legal obligation of registration in the canine registry. For other animals, the veterinarian himself will issue the ” pet passport “.

Other evidence of legal detention can be provided by the adoption certificate, the purchase invoice for the animal, or, in the case of animals stolen from the street, a voluntary declaration can be made.

It is advisable not to submit the request for the deduction of veterinary expenses, if there is no certification attesting to the legal ownership of the animal. Doing so in fact risks not only being sanctioned for “Undue deduction” but also for “failure to regularize the possession of animals” .

In short, although the rules are very strict when it comes to taxation, it is still a nice help for those who take care of their four-legged friends with love and care .