Contact:  Gigi Thompson Jarvis, CAE
Telephone:  202-822-6232, x119
E-mail: gjarvis@naea.org 

For a printable copy of this news release click here.

For Immediate Release

HAITI Act Relieves Taxpayer Burden, Too

Bipartisan Legislation Expected to Be Signed by the President

WASHINGTON, D.C., JANUARY 22, 2010—In an effort to provide the greatest amount of good for the largest number of people, the House and Senate have passed legislation that allows the taxpayer to deduct charitable contributions to aid victims of the January 12th earthquake in Haiti.

The law allows charitable contributions to Haiti relief programs, made before March 1, 2010, to be claimed as charitable donations on their 2009 tax returns. Another provision of the bill allows those who text-messaged a donation to use their phone bill notation as a receipt for that donation.

HR 4662 is identical to S. 2936, the Haiti Assistance Income Tax Incentive (HAITI) Act introduced by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont) and ranking member Charles Grassley (R-Iowa).

“This is inspired legislation,” said Mike Nelson, executive vice president of the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA). “We understand the president Obama will sign the legislation as soon as it is presented to him. This helps those in need and provides an immediate incentive to the American taxpayer.”

President Obama is expected to sign the legislation as soon as it reaches his desk.

“With so many changes in the tax law affecting this year’s returns,” said Sandra Martin, EA, president of NAEA, “this is one we can all embrace. It provides relief for our neighbors on that ravaged island, and it motivates the American taxpayer in a down economy.”

Enrolled agents are independent business people who are federally licensed to prepare taxes and to represent the taxpayer before the IRS.

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About NAEA
The National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) is a professional society whose members are dedicated to honest, intelligent and ethical representation of the financial position of taxpayers before the IRS. Its efforts are supported nationwide through a network of affiliated state and local chapters. Members of NAEA must fulfill continuing professional education requirements that exceed the IRS’ requirements. NAEA membership also entails stringent adherence to a Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct, as well as compliance with the Treasury Department’s Circular 230 regulations. NAEA members are experienced, well-trained tax professionals who effectively represent their clients and work to ensure the tax code is fairly applied and reasonably enforced.

To find an enrolled agent in your area, visit the National Association of Enrolled Agents’ website at www.naea.org and click on the “Find an Enrolled Agent” link.