Did you know that you can contribute directly to The Prevention of Animal Homelessness & Cruelty Fund right on your tax form? Following is all the information you need to donate directly to this important cause!

The Prevention of Animal Homelessness & Cruelty Fund made its debut on several 2015 California Income Tax Returns (540, 540 2EZ, 540 NR, and 541, Schedule C). As one of the 19 voluntary contribution funds available to taxpayers, the Prevention of Animal Homelessness & Cruelty Fund will provide grants to animal control agencies, SPCAs, and humane societies for programs that prevent and eliminate dog and cat homelessness and the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of animal cruelty and neglect.

FAQ:

What is a voluntary contribution?
A voluntary contribution is an election made by the taxpayer to designate amounts on his or her tax return to charitable funds.

How will the Prevention of Animal Homelessness & Cruelty Fund help animals?
The California Department of Food & Agriculture will administer grants to public animal control shelters and agencies as well as SPCAs and humane societies for (1) programs designed to prevent and eliminate dog and cat homelessness and (2) the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of animal cruelty and neglect. The first $250,000 in grants will be awarded to public animal control agencies and shelters for spay/neuter of dogs and cats.

Are all public animal control agencies and shelters eligible to apply for a grant?
Yes, provided they are current on their reporting requirements to the State Department of Public Health, Veterinary Public Health Section.

Where can I make a voluntary contribution to the Prevention of Animal Homelessness & Cruelty Fund?
You can make a contribution on Line 431 of any of these California income tax returns: 540 2EZ, 540, 540NR Long or Short Form, and 541, Schedule C.

What amount may I contribute to the Prevention of Animal Homelessness & Cruelty Fund?
You may make a contribution of $1 or more, in whole dollar amounts.

Is my voluntary contribution irrevocable if I change my mind?
Yes. The voluntary contribution can only be made on the original return. Contributions cannot be made or reversed on an amended return.

May I deduct my contribution as a charitable deduction?
Yes. Your contribution is permitted as a charitable contributions (in the year following the contribution) on the Federal
Schedule A.

Is there a minimum amount the Prevention of Animal Homelessness & Cruelty Fund must raise for it to remain on the return next year?
For 2015, there is no minimum amount required. However, for 2016, the Fund must collect a minimum of $250,000 (adjusted for inflation) or it will be dropped from the return. This is what happened with the recent Municipal Shelter Spay-Neuter Fund that first appeared on the 2012 return. Unfortunately, in 2014, it raised just $37,000 short of the minimum contribution requirement and was therefore dropped.

PLEASE SHARE! With a little marketing, the Prevention of Animal Homelessness & Cruelty Fund will be able to meet the minimum and continue helping California’s homeless and abused animals.