Well, there is a bed bug tax credit bill pending in the New York General Assembly. I don’t know if there is or will be a rat tax credit. The bill provides a tax credit for personal property replacement that was due to a bed bug infestation. The bill provides a credit against the personal tax equal to 15% of qualified expenditures for replacing personal property but it can’t exceed $750. Items that qualify include rugs, furniture and other home goods.

Well, in the final bill I wonder if an individual will have to prove to anyone one that his rug was infested by bed bugs? Does he need a certification by a bed bug pest control expert? Does he need just a photograph of the infestation? Will officials just decide to go with the “we trust you to tell the truth” approach.

How many people living in New York City that are shopping for a couch to replace their worn out couch will falsely claim the old couch was full of bed bugs? Perhaps New Jersey residents will also want a bed bug tax credit.