Congress Passes Haiti Aid Bill

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Certain advances in technology have also benefited charities and taxpayers. The popularity of mobile phone text messaging has made it quick and easy for people to donate funds, with a record of more than $25 million having been contributed via text message to the Red Cross (www.redcross.org) during the six days following the disaster. This is in addition to more than $200 million donated to the organization via other methods. "The cool thing about texting donations is that taxpayers definitely have documentation of the donation on their cell phone bill," said Padar.

To make a text-based donation to Haiti relief efforts, mobile phone users can can text the word "Haiti" to 90999 to instantly send a ten dollar donation to the Red Cross. The donation is automatically added to the user's billing statement and most major mobile service providers have waived text messaging fees for those making these donations.

Although the tax season is already officially underway, most taxpayers do not file until the months of March and April. Padar notes that taxpayers who may have already filed or who remain unaware of the special treatment will still be able to claim the charitable giving on their 2010 returns or, if desired, will be able to file an amended 2009 return.