Haiti Relief donations can be claimed on 2009 Tax Returns
Tax deduction for Charitable Cash Contributions for Relief of Victims of Earthquake in
Haiti can be claimed in 2009 tax returns rather than waiting for next year's tax season.
Any cash contribution made after 01/11/2010 and before 03/01/2010 for the relief of victims in areas affected by the earthquake in
Haiti are eligible to claim the contribution as if they made it during year 2009.
The new law applies to cash contributions only thus non-cash contributions do not qualify. 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.
Taxpayers donating to
Haiti relief by using their cell phone text messaging service may use a telephone bill showing the name of the donee organization, the date of the contribution, and the amount of the contribution as meeting the recordkeeping requirements.
