Congresswoman Chellie Pingree cosponsors bill that would allow deduction to be taken a year earlier than normal
 

Please contact Congresswoman Chellie Pingree's office if we can help you or your family in the wake of this terrible tragedy. Find resources and contact information here.

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced Friday that she will co-sponsor legislation that would allow individuals who make charitable contributions to victims of the earthquake in Haiti to claim an itemized charitable deduction on their 2009 tax return (instead of having to wait until next year to claim these deductions on their 2010 tax return).  The bill would treat any contribution to Haitian relief efforts made before March 1 as if it were made last year, so a taxpayer can claim the deduction on the tax return they file this year.
 
“Once again the American people are showing their compassion and generosity to the victims of tragedy,” Pingree said.  “This legislation is designed to make it a little easier for Americans to give a little more.”
 
In January of 2005, Congress enacted this type of relief for individuals that made charitable contributions to victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami that occurred in late December of 2004.  That bill (H.R. 241 in the 109th Congress) passed the House of Representatives without objection and subsequently passed the Senate by unanimous consent.
 
Earlier this week Pingree issued a statement on the earthquake in Haiti.
 
“I share with all Americans a profound sense of shock and sadness about what happened in Haiti.  Now we will all pull together to provide relief to the victims and the survivors in Haiti and then, over the months and years ahead, we should work to help Haitians build and rebuild a sustainable infrastructure.  Our aid and support for Haiti should focus on helping its citizens create an economy and society that is built by Haitians and works for Hatians.”
 
Pingree has created a page on her website with information and resources for Maine people who are looking for family members in Haiti and for those who want to help with relief efforts.