In order to encourage donations to Haiti, the U.S. Government recently announced that you are able to deduct taxes on cash donations to a list of approved IRS charitable organizations for the 2009 tax calendar year in addition to the 2010 tax calendar year (you usually can only deduct in the year that you donate).

IRS Haiti Donation Tax Law

Here are the details on deducting donations to Haiti:

• 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.
• The contributions must be made specifically for the relief of victims in areas affected by the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti.
• You may deduct these contributions on either your 2009 or 2010 returns, but not both.

Additionally, you must follow standard tax deduction procedure and itemize your deductions on a Schedule A.

What IRS Approved Charities Can I Donate to and Itemize the Deduction?

The IRS has an approved charitable donation finder on their site. Any Haiti donation to one of these charities would apply.

If you’re looking for more on itemizing charitable donations on your tax return, check out IRS Publication 526. Also, check out my recent post on itemizing your taxes.

Haiti Relief Discussion:

What charities have you donated to for Haiti relief? Why did you pick these charities?

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You May Also Find the Following Articles of Interest:

How to eFile your Taxes

The Happy Act Tax Deduction