Bill Allows Individuals to Claim Charitable Contributions on 2009 Tax Returns

Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) today joined a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives to support legislation that will encourage more charitable contributions to Haiti, by changing current law to speed up tax deductions.  Congressman Baca served as an original co-sponsor of the bill, H.R. 4462, which was unanimously approved by the House today.

“With over 200,000 deaths and 1.5 million people left homeless, the people of Haiti need any and all help they can receive,” said Rep. Baca.  “While this bill marks a small change in tax law, it is an important step to encourage more immediate charitable contributions to our suffering neighbors in Haiti.  Now all charitable contributions made to Haiti before March 1, 2010, will be deductible on individuals’ 2009 tax returns.”

H.R. 4462 allows individuals making a charitable contribution after January 11th and before March 1st to victims of the earthquake in Haiti to claim these charitable contributions on their 2009 tax return.  Absent this change, taxpayers would need to wait until next year to claim a deduction for these contributions on their 2010 tax return.  The bill also makes clear that taxpayers making a charitable contribution to victims of the Haiti earthquake through a text message will be able to rely on their cell phone bill when claiming a charitable contribution.

The American people are responding with generosity and compassion to the devastating earthquake, donating their hard-earned money and time -- which can literally mean the difference between life and death to many Haitians and others struggling through this tragedy and devastation.  Donors have contributed more than $220-million to major U.S. relief groups, with $22 million made through cell phone text messages.

“We all witnessed the terrible events that took place in Haiti last week,” concluded Rep. Baca.  “The American people have given an outpouring of support and assistance to Haitians in their time of need.  This bipartisan bill encourages this assistance and care to continue.  Passing today’s bill is the morally responsible thing to do, and I encourage the Senate and the President to take quick action to enact it into law.”