If you love helping those who suffer and hate taxes, the federal government has a deal for you.
All members of Congress came together late last week with both the House and Senate voting unanimously to approve legislation that will allow eligible taxpayers to claim a deduction on their 2009 income tax returns for contributions to earthquake relief efforts in Haiti, if those contributions are made on or after January 12, 2010 and no later than February 28, 2010.
I had already made my contribution, which I assumed would be tax deductible for tax year 2010. Question is, do I claim it for 2009, which was a terrible year for me, or wait on this hopes that 2010 will be better?