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2009 Federal Income Tax Deductions

If you are one of those generous people who donated to help Haiti, you can deduct the 2010 Haitian Relief Donations on your 2009 Return.

According to the IRS, you can claim 2009 deductions for Haiti relief donations made between Jan. 12 and Feb. 28, 2010. The IRS defines cash donations as those that include contributions made via check, money order, credit card, charge card, debit card, phone or text message. This is pretty much their standard definition.

If your donation(s) were under $250, you need either a bank record such as a cancelled check or credit-card statement or a receipt from the charity to prove your generosity. If your donation(s) were $250 or more, you must have a receipt from the charity.

Some people donated using their phone or by a text message. The IRS says a service provider bill showing the name of the charity, the donation date, and the amount is sufficient proof. In order to deduct these charitable contributions, you must itemize your taxes. For more information to help save your money at tax time check out Tax Tips and Tax Reduction Tips today.

Non-deductible Deductions

Many taxpayers confuse spousal and child support with alimony. Of the three, only alimony is deductible. It is considered income to the recipient and an expense to the payer. All of us wish we could deduct spousal and child support expenses. We’d probably never owe a dime in taxes if that was the case. Read More…

Today’s Retirement

Let’s face it, you have worked the last forty to fifty years only to now wonder if you’ll have to work another forty. That’s no good. We agree, it’s sad the state of financial and economic affairs this country is in. Read More…