This is historical material “frozen in time”. The website is no longer updated and links to external websites and some internal pages may not work.

Search form

Making It Easier for Americans to Support Haiti

Summary: 
In the days since the earthquake in Haiti, Americans have shown their generosity with millions of dollars in donations. Tonight, President Obama signed a bill into law that makes it easier to give.
President Obama Signs Legislation Providing Immediate Tax Deductions for Haiti Charitable Contributions

President Obama Signs Legislation Providing Immediate Tax Deductions for Haiti Charitable Contributions January 22, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

In the days since the earthquake in Haiti, Americans have shown their generosity with millions of dollars in donations.  Tonight, President Obama signed a bill into law that makes it easier to give.  This legislation will allow taxpayers to receive the tax benefit from donations made to the Haiti effort in this tax season, rather than having to wait until they file their 2010 tax returns next year.  Specifically, cash donations to charities for the Haitian relief effort given after January 11 and before March 1 of this year may be treated as if the contribution was made on December 31 of last year so that the contribution can be deducted from 2009 income. This measure applies to monetary donations, not goods or services.

One way to contribute is the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.  To donate, visit ClintonBushHaitiFund.org or text “QUAKE” to 20222 to charge a $10 donation that will be added to your cell phone bill.  To learn more about the situation in Haiti and what you can do to help, visit WhiteHouse.gov/HaitiEarthquake.