Haiti donation could lower 2009 tax bills

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Taxpayers may be able to deduct cash donations to Haiti earthquake relief on their 2009 tax returns if Congress passes a measure expected to be taken up this week.

Leaders of the House Ways and Means Committee from both parties said Friday they will introduce a bill that makes contributions made between Jan. 12 and Feb. 28 count toward an individual's or family's 2009 taxes.

Committee chairman Charles B. Rangel, D-N.Y., and ranking minority member Dave Camp, R-Mich., are expected to introduce the bill Tuesday when Congress reconvenes.

"This measure provides an immediate benefit for those who have already given and incentive for those who are considering a charitable contribution," Rangel said in a prepared statement.

Similar legislation was passed in 2005 to boost contributions in the aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami that occurred in late 2004.

Typically, charitable contributions count toward the year in which they are made. The current measure would mean taxpayers don't have to wait until next year to claim the benefit on their 2010 tax returns.

Factoring in the deduction: The Haiti relief contribution would count as an itemized charitable deduction. Itemized deductions are typically taken when an individual exceeds the standard deduction.

For 2009, the standard deduction for those 65 and under is $11,400 if married filing jointly or a qualifying widow, $8,350 if filing as a head of household, $5,700 if single and $5,700 if married filing separately.

If your adjusted gross income for 2009 tops $166,800 or $83,400 if married and filing separately, your charitable contribution is subject to the reduction of itemized contributions, usually 1%.

For cash contributions, the deducted ceiling is typically 50% of adjusted gross income, although in 2005, Congress passed legislation allowing 100% of income.