Using Your Tax Return to Change the Lives of Thousands of Animals In NeedWhat YOU can do with “4642” to make a difference in your community
Are you interested in helping animals in need in your community, but just can’t find the time? This year, there is a solution, and it comes in the form of your tax return. By simply utilizing a new tax form check-off option, Michigan taxpayers can donate to the Companion Animal Welfare Fund, a newly created, interest-bearing fund in the State Treasury. The Fund provides support to local animal shelters and rescue groups throughout Michigan, allowing them to implement innovative adoption and sterilization programs, and continue animal cruelty investigations.
Donating to the fund is simple and convenient by using Schedule 4642, a voluntary contribution form. The form can be obtained from your tax preparer, or downloaded at www.michiganhumane.org/tax. On the form, taxpayers can either designate a portion of their tax refund, or make a voluntary contribution to one of the listed charitable funds. By selecting Option 2 on the form, “Animal Welfare Fund,” designating an amount of your discretion to be donated, and attaching the form to your individual tax return, you can make a significant difference in the lives of animals in need.
The collected funds will be distributed through grants to shelters and rescue groups throughout the state. With many areas of Michigan only having small shelters or foster-based animal welfare organizations with limited resources, this funding will allow for critical programs that otherwise could not be afforded. It is programs such as these that are key in achieving the ultimate goal of ending companion animal homelessness.
The Companion Animal Welfare Fund was signed into law by Governor Jennifer Granholm in November 2007, signifying a major victory for animal welfare organizations across the state. This year marks the first time the fund can be utilized and donated to by Michigan taxpayers. The Michigan Humane Society is proud to have led the development and passage of this bill.
