W. Marc Gilfillan CPA

In a recent email news item I made the distinction that the natural disaster that occurred in Haiti is now a qualified disaster according to the IRS (http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=218615,00.html).

I said in the email that there are rumors that said people would be able to take a deduction for donations to Haiti on this year’s (2009) tax return – instead of having to wait until you file your 2010 tax return. Certainly this could be quite an incentive for people who desired to give a part of their wealth to the people of Haiti to assist them in getting back on their feet! Are you feeling the pressure of today’s taxes? Right now you can get $100 off your tax return for Cary NC Tax Prep needs!

Well, the rumors I heard and that you possibly have heard are TRUE! On January 22nd, the IRS created a special tax relief policy that will allow donations for the Haiti disaster made after January 11, 2010 and before March 1, 2010, will be deducted on your 2009 tax return. Or, you can choose to put the deduction on your 2010 tax return instead, on the chance that in case you didn’t want to take advantage of this wonderful incentive to help those in need.

The inhabitants of Haiti are hurting very badly. These kinds of disasters cannot be avoided, and are well, devastating. Earthquakes and other forms of environmental disaster cause huge levels of carnage and homelessness. Entire families are without food or clean water. In most cases these families don’t even have the capability to acquire any level of stable living environment without the help of other countries’ efforts (funded by donators like you!). Do your part today and donate whatever you can to help the people of Haiti. I would certainly appreciate the added effort, and I’m sure all of the struggling people in Haiti would appreciate it to!

Stay tuned for more articles and information regarding tax season, taxes, and Haiti!
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