As you have no doubt heard there was a 7.0 earthquake in Haiti that has caused widespread damage. Several nonprofit organizations received donations from Americans. People who gave to charities providing earthquake relief in Haiti can claim their donations on the tax return they are completing this season
Taxpayers who itemize deductions on their 2009 return qualify for this special tax relief provision. 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.
Taxpayers can benefit from their donations, almost immediately, by filing their 2009 returns early, filing electronically and choosing direct deposit. Refunds take as few as ten days and can be directly deposited into a savings, checking.
