Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) this week 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, and President Obama is expected to sign the measure into law shortly.

“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 which passed the House Wednesday and cleared the Senate Thursday. Once signed into law by the President, taxpayers can claim charitable donations made to Haiti between January 11 and March 1, 2010 on their 2009 tax filing.
 
For more information, please visit: http://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/111/RANGEL_080.pdf

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.