Friday, February 19, 2010

Feb. 28 is Last Day for Special Tax Option for Haiti Relief Donations


WASHINGTON — Taxpayers wishing to claim their Haiti relief donations on the tax return they are filling out this season must make those donations by the end of this month, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

Individuals and corporations have until midnight on Sunday, Feb. 28, to make cash contributions to charities providing earthquake relief in Haiti. These contributions can be claimed on either a 2009 or 2010 return, but not both. Contributions made after that date but before the end of the year can only be claimed on a 2010 return.

Contributions made by text message, check, credit card or debit card qualify for this special option. Donations charged to a credit card before the end of February count for 2009. This is true even if the credit card bill isn’t paid until after Feb. 28. Also, checks count for 2009 as long as they are mailed by the end of this month and clear your financial institution shortly thereafter.

I would suggest that you be sure that the organization you donate to is a legitimate non-profit organization that will apply the monies to the Haiti relief.

Sincerely,

Deborah Sherwood, EA

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