Legislation to Provide Tax Breaks to Pet Owners - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California State Board of Equalization, known as the BOE, is sponsoring legislation that will exempt qualified transactions involving drugs and medications used to treat animals from sales and use taxes.

Board Chairman Jerome E. Horton made the announcement Tuesday.

"I am gratified that my colleagues on the Board have joined me in supporting this legislation that will encourage pet owners to purchase these medications directly from their veterinarians," said Chairman Horton. "This exemption will negate any perceived deal pet owners believe they might be getting by purchasing prescriptions for their pets online, where the safety of their pets might be compromised."

Veterinarians are currently required to pay sales or use tax on their purchases of drugs and medicines they administer and prescribe for the treatment of animals.  In the process, the cost could be passed on to the pet owner.

The proposed legislation would create a sales and use tax exemption for drugs and medicines used, supplied, or sold by licensed veterinarians, government-run animal shelters, or nonprofit animal welfare organizations.