Donations to Haiti Affect This Year’s Return

With normal individual federal withholdings, the opportunity is given to claim charitable donations as deductions on your taxes. Not too long ago, around four weeks, a massive earthquake struck the country of Haiti. Across the nation efforts were taken to aid the disaster effort. The US population was also a major player in the effort. Collectively $220 million was raised. Now it’s no secret that our own county is in a difficult place financially. Well, then the question becomes: Can people claim the Haitian Disaster Effort as a deduction? Overwhelming yes!

At the end of last month the House approved a measure which allows taxpayer to deduct their cash donations to the relief from their 2009 tax returns instead of on next year’s. This means the American people will see that deduction assist in getting a larger or more well adjusted return. The contributions must be made before the 28^th of February. Also, any of the contributions made via text are shown as directly deducted from the cell phone bill as a proof of this donation.

Hopefully this new bill will champion more people to the relief effort.