Boccieri: Good Will To Be Rewarded With A Tax Benefit

Press Release

U.S. Congressman John Boccieri (D-Alliance) today announced people can now claim any donations to the earthquake relief effort in Haiti as an itemized deduction on their 2009 tax return, instead of waiting to claim it on their 2010 return. Boccieri voted in support of the measure when it passed the House of Representatives late last week. The President signed the bill into law January 22, 2010.

Boccieri offered the following statement regarding the crisis in Haiti:

"The conditions in Haiti are horrific and I pray for the people who perished and the loved ones they left behind. This earthquake serves as a stark reminder that life is fragile but also offers an important opportunity for both charity and service."

After January 11th and before March 1st, people who chose to donate financially to relief efforts in Haiti can claim those contributions on their 2009 tax return rather than wait one year to claim the deductions on their 2010 tax return. For more information on how to properly file tax returns including charitable contributions, please visit the IRS web page: IRS Haiti Relief Tax Deduction Guidance.

More Information on Relief Efforts in Haiti and How to Get Involved If You're Interested:

* If you decide to volunteer in Haiti and need to acquire or renew your passport, please contact Congressman Boccieri's Canton district office toll free at (800) 826 9015.

* If you are interested in donating money or volunteering for the relief effort, contact the U.S. State Department's Haiti Relief page.

* If you are looking for information about a person affected by the earthquake, or have information about a person, please visit the U.S. State Department's Haiti Relief page.

* If you would like to know if you are eligible for Temporary Protected Status from Haiti, please review these Questions and Answers from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

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