Internal Revenue Service special provision allows taxpayers to claim Haiti earthquake relief giving on their 2009 tax returns
Wednesday, January 22 — Gifts made to Northwest Haiti Christian Mission for earthquake relief before March 1 can be claimed as a deduction on 2009 tax returns, according to the Internal Revenue Service.
A special provision announced Jan. 22 allows taxpayers who itemize deductions on their 2009 return to claim contributions made to earthquake relief as if they were made in 2009. Gifts made to other non-profits operating in Haiti also qualify. Only cash contributions made to these charities after Jan. 11, 2010, and before March 1, 2010, are eligible. This includes contributions made by text message, check, credit card or debit card.
“Americans have opened their hearts to help those affected by the Haiti earthquake,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “This new law provides an immediate tax benefit for the many taxpayers who have made generous donations.”
The contributions must be made specifically for the relief of victims in areas affected by the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti. Taxpayers have the option of deducting these contributions on either their 2009 or 2010 returns, but not both.
To get a tax benefit, taxpayers must itemize their deductions on Schedule A. Those who claim the standard deduction, including all short-form filers, are not eligible.
As always, please consult your tax professional for the best answers. For more information, please visit the IRS webpage for Haiti relief.
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