From Erika Bolstad in Washington D.C. --
Sen. Mark Begich, R-Alaska, has joined his colleagues in Congress in calling for taxpayers to be able to claim charitable donations to the Haitian earthquake relief effort on their 2009 income taxes.
"For most of us the devastation, death and injuries we see in the news reports daily from Haiti is beyond comprehension," Begich said. "But what we can do, and what Congress can support with this legislation, is give Americans an added incentive to make a cash donation to help the victims and support the relief efforts by allowing a tax deduction this year."
If the legislation passes, individuals who make qualifying charitable donations between January 11, 2010, and March 1, 2010 could take a tax deduction for the 2009 tax year instead of waiting until the end of 2010.
Similar legislation was passed in the wake of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
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