Haiti Relief Donations

People who give to charities providing earthquake relief in Haiti have the option of deducting these contributions on either their 2009 or 2010 returns, but not both. Taxpayers who itemize deductions on their 2009 return qualify for this special tax relief provision, enacted Jan. 22. Only cash contributions made to these charities after Jan. 11, 2010, and before March 1, 2010, are eligible. This includes contributions made by text message, check, credit card or debit card.