Help Homeless Animals With Your Tax Return
By Min Kwak for CBS Detroit
Your tax returns can make a large difference in the lives of homeless pets because as April 15th approaches, Michigan taxpayers can donate a portion of their state tax returns to the Companion Animal Welfare Fund.
Last year, led by the Michigan Humane Society, the Companion Welfare Fund provided more than $134,000 to fifteen different animal shelters and rescue groups across Michigan.
"The donation process is very simple, you just need to check a box on a small form and designate the amount you would like to donate" explained Kevin Hatman, public relations coordinator for the Michigan Humane Society.
To make a contribution, you first need to obtain a Schedule 4642, a voluntary contribution form that can be obtained from your tax preparer, through the state, or downloaded at www.michiganhumane.org/tax. You then check the box next to "Animal Welfare Fund," designate the amount you would like to contribute, and attach the form to your tax return. Schedule 4642 also gives taxpayers the option to donate a portion of their tax returns or a voluntary contribution to various other charitable funds.
"[The collected funds] will be used to promote spay and neuter programs in an effort to prevent the problems of overpopulation," Hatman said.
The donations will be distributed as grants to shelters and rescue groups throughout the state. Many of Michigan's animal welfare organizations are struggling with limited resources, and would no doubt greatly benefit from your contributions as they continue their work in placing homeless pets in loving new homes.
For more information about the Michigan Humane Society or the Companion Animal Welfare Fund, call 1-866-MHUMANE (648-6263) or visit www.michiganhumane.org. For a listing of animal shelters who received grants in 2011, visit the Michigan Department of Agriculture's website at www.michigan.gov/mda.
