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A
new tax relief law allows people who contributed in 2010 to
charities providing earthquake relief in Haiti to take a tax
deduction for the contribution on their 2009 tax return instead of
their 2010 return. This means you can receive an immediate tax
benefit, rather than having to wait until you file next year’s
return. Certain requirements apply:
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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.
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The
contributions must be made specifically for the relief of
victims in areas affected by the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti.
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You may
deduct these contributions on either your 2009 or 2010 returns,
but not both. |
In
addition, the general rules about tax deductions for charitable
donations apply:
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You must itemize your
deductions on
Schedule A;
those claiming the standard deduction, including all short-form
filers, are not eligible. |
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You must
keep a record of any deductible donations you make.
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For
donations by text message, a telephone bill will meet the
requirement if it shows the name of the donee organization
and the date and amount of the contribution.
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For
cash contributions made by other means, be sure to keep a
bank record, such as a cancelled check, or a receipt from
the charity showing the name of the charity and the date and
amount of the contribution. |
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Contributions to foreign organizations generally are not
deductible. |
Make sure your contribution goes to a qualified charity. Most
organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible donations are
listed in a searchable, online database available under
Search for Charities.
Some organizations, such as churches or governments, may be
qualified even though they’re not listed on IRS.gov. |
Relevant Tax Tips Directory
Disclaimer 
Tax Tip for Feb 2010