CONGRESSMAN CUELLAR: HOUSE PASSES HAITI RELIEF TAX CREDIT
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Jan 21, 2010, 0 Comments
House unanimously approves bill to allow taxpayers to claim charitable donations for Haiti Relief
Courtesy Ashley Patterson,
Washington, DC – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today helped pass H.R. 4462, legislation that would allow individuals who make charitable contributions to victims of the Haiti earthquake to claim an itemized deduction on their 2009 tax return this April. The bipartisan legislation passed the House of Representatives unanimously on Wednesday.
“Americans have shown a vast measure of compassion to our neighbors in Haiti, and this is a shining example of how we can work together to acknowledge the kindness among our fellow Americans,” said Congressman Cuellar. “There’s been a generous outpouring of support and we should recognize those contributions.”
In January 2005, Congress enacted similar charitable tax credits for contributions made to victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami that occurred in late December of 2004.
Wednesday’s legislation, H.R. 4462, will allow Americans to claim the charitable deduction for their 2009 tax return as opposed to waiting one year for their 2010 tax filings. The bill also includes a provision allowing those who text messaged their donations to use their phone bill as proof of donation.
“In these tough economic times, we should acknowledge charitable giving and encourage those who give to their fellow Americans and our neighbors abroad,” said Congressman Cuellar. “In these hard times, we say thank you.”
Congressman Cuellar is an original sponsor of the legislation and if passed by the Senate and signed by the President, the bill will become law.
