Press Release
January 20, 2010
Contact: Aaron Hunter 202-225-2040
Rep. Susan Davis Votes to Allow Taxpayers to Claim Charitable Donations for Haiti Relief
House of Representatives approves bipartisan bill to treat charitable contributions to Haiti as made in 2009
Washington – Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) voted to encourage Americans to give to Haiti relief with the unanimous passage of H.R. 4462. The legislation would allow individuals who make charitable contributions to earthquake victims in Haiti to treat those donations as if they were made in the 2009 tax year instead of having to wait to claim them on their 2010 tax return. The legislation also includes a provision allowing those who donated via a text message to use a phone bill as proof of donation.
“Since the devastating earthquake hit Haiti, the American people have generously given financial assistance to Haiti out of their own pocket,” said Davis, an original cosponsor of the bill. “This legislation will hopefully encourage more people to give and will make it easier for those who have to claim it on their 2009 tax return.”
In the past, Congress has enacted this type of tax relief for individuals that made charitable contributions to victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami that occurred in late December of 2004.
For more about how you can help in Haiti click here.
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