Can I deduct the cost of my pet sitter when I travel for work?

April 09, 2014 by Dave Du Val, EA

dog sitting on green chair

Hey Dave,

I travel for a living and my company knows I have pets. I have to have them kenneled when I am traveling for work. Can I expense the cost of the kennel stay?

Laura

Laura,

As an avid animal lover, I wish the answer was more in line with what you would like to hear. The short answer is, unfortunately, “no.” The IRS and court system would consider this a “personal expense” even if the entire trip was for business.

Deductibly Yours,

Dave

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Dave Du Val, EA

Dave Du Val, EA
Chief Compliance Officer for TRI Holdco

Dave Du Val, EA, is Chief Compliance Officer for TRI Holdco. Inc., the parent company of TaxAudit, and Centenal Tax Group. A nationally recognized speaker and educator, Dave is well known for his high energy and dynamic presentation style. He is a frequent and popular guest speaker for the California Society of Tax Consultants, the California Society of Enrolled Agents and the National Association of Tax Professionals. Dave frequently contributes tax tips and information to news publications, including US News and World Report, USA Today, and CPA Practice Advisor. Dave is an Enrolled Agent who has prepared thousands of returns during his career and has trained and mentored hundreds of tax professionals. He is a member of the National Association of Tax Professionals, the National Association of Enrolled Agents and the California Society of Enrolled Agents. Dave also holds a Master of Arts in Education and has been educating people since 1972.

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