Letters to the Editor
Published January 27, 2005
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TAX RELIEF DEADLINE
Tsunami donations
We all have been affected by the terrible
loss of life and suffering caused by the earthquake and
subsequent tsunamis in the Indian Ocean. Images of the
destruction continue to stream into our homes from Sri
Lanka, the Maldives, Thailand, Indonesia, as well as
other impacted countries. Stories of orphaned children
and shattered lives have touched all our hearts. Our
prayers go out to the people who have lost so much to
this series of disasters. Our hearts are also with the
Americans who have lost loved ones in this tragedy.
Our nation has committed military assets and made an
initial commitment of $350 million for disaster relief.
We are working with the United Nations and with
governments around the world to coordinate the
comprehensive international response. We are showing the
compassion of our nation in the swift response. But the
greatest source of America’s generosity is not our
government. It is the good heart of the American people.
In the weeks since the tsunami struck, private citizens
have contributed millions of dollars for disaster relief
and reconstruction.
Because of the enormous response from religious
organizations to assist in this effort, I wanted to take
a moment to share some information. Last week,
Congress passed—and the President signed—a law
to help encourage donations toward this effort. I
thought it might be helpful for you and your members to
know about this new law as you prepare your 2004 tax
returns.
The new law allows taxpayers to treat tsunami relief
donations made during January 2005 as if the donation was
made in the year 2004. This way, those taxpayers
that itemize their deductions may claim this deduction on
their 2004 tax returns, which most of us will file in the
next few months (as opposed to waiting an entire year to
claim the deduction on their 2005 tax returns). The
contributions must be made specifically for the relief of
victims in areas affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami.
Taxpayers do not need to fill out any additional forms;
rather, it should just be indicated in the check notation
that the donation is meant to be used in the tsunami
relief effort.
I am hopeful this information is helpful as you work to
assist tsunami victims. If I can answer any
questions or be of service to you, please do not hesitate
to contact me.
Thank you for the opportunity to spread this information.
Please share it with all who may be interested. |
Bill Nelson, U.S. Senator
WASHINGTON, D.C. |
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