Haiti Charitable Contributions

Congress has passed legislation designed to encourage charitable contributions for the relief efforts in Haiti, and the President has signed it.  Under the new law, taxpayers may deduct charitable contributions made after January 11, 2010 and before March 1, 2010 for the relief of earthquake victims in Haiti on their 2009 tax return.  Only cash contributions made to a qualified charitable organization can be deducted - contribution of goods must be claimed next year on the 2010 return.  Cash contributions require a receipt in order to be claimed.  If you made your donation via your phone, be sure to keep the phone bill showing the donation for your records. 

Claiming the contribution this year is not mandatory - you may wait and claim it on your 2010 return.