Bill > HB2731

This bill authorizes a tax credit for individuals who adopt rescue animals, aiming to offset the costs associated with adoption. The credit, applicable for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, allows taxpayers to claim an amount equal to the "qualified amount" paid for a "qualified pet adoption," which includes adoption fees and associated medical and administrative costs, up to $125 per adoption. A "qualified pet adoption" is defined as adopting a domesticated vertebrate (excluding farm animals) from an "animal shelter" for the purpose of keeping it as a pet. Taxpayers are limited to claiming a maximum of two such credits per year. To claim the credit, individuals must submit a receipt from the animal shelter with their tax return. The total amount of tax credits issued to all taxpayers is capped at $500,000 annually, with credits awarded on a first-come, first-served basis if the cap is exceeded. These credits are refundable, meaning the government will issue a payment if the credit amount exceeds the taxpayer's tax liability, but they cannot be transferred or carried forward to future tax years. Taxpayers must forfeit or repay the credit if the adopted animal is returned, abused, sold, or not properly cared for, with exceptions for humane killing. The Department of Revenue is tasked with establishing rules and verifying adoption status and animal well-being. The provisions of this section will sunset six years after their effective date unless reauthorized by the General Assembly.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2731&year=2026&code=R