Re: That's not because they cared two cents for the Katrina victims. I would guess 80% of their "donation" went in "oiling" some US politicians -- or their wives, who pack these charitable foundations.
Qui sine peccato est vestrum primus in illam lapidem mittat...
John 8:7 - newadvent.org
Likewise, US bleeding hearts' donations for Tsunami victims didn't betray pangs of conscience but rather tax/fiscal awareness --clue:
Bill allows early deduction of tsunami donations
By Sandra Block, USA TODAY
In an unusual show of bipartisan unity, Congress approved legislation Thursday that would let taxpayers deduct this month's donations to tsunami relief efforts on their 2004 tax returns.
The rule change — believed to be unprecedented and certainly so in recent history — means millions of taxpayers who contribute to tsunami-related charities this month won't have to wait until next year to claim the deductions. Ordinarily, taxpayers are required to claim deductions in the year they're made. The exception applies to cash donations made to disaster relief agencies through Jan. 31.
President Bush is expected to sign the bill.
Americans have donated millions to disaster relief in response to the Dec. 26 earthquake and tsunami, which claimed more than 140,000 lives and left millions homeless. This week, Bush appointed former presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush to head private fundraising programs.
"Americans continue to give generously to tsunami relief, and I hope this extension will encourage them to give even more," Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, said in a statement. Grassley and Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., introduced the legislation Tuesday.
Charities applauded the speedy approval of the bill, done on a voice vote rather than a roll call. The legislation "provides additional incentives for many Americans to help with the tsunami relief effort," said Mary McClymont, chief executive officer of InterAction, an umbrella group for U.S. relief organizations.
Not all donors will be able to take advantage of the rule change. To deduct charitable contributions, taxpayers must itemize on their tax returns. About two-thirds of taxpayers take the standard deduction, making them ineligible to deduct charitable contributions.
In addition, tax deductions are limited to tax-exempt U.S. organizations. Contributions made directly to a foreign charity may not be deductible.
Lawmakers also warned donors to be on the lookout for charity scams. Law enforcement agencies are investigating potential scams involving the sale of relief bracelets and unsolicited e-mail asking for money to find missing loved ones, Grassley said.
Donors can check out charities at the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, www.give.org, and Guidestar.org, an online database of non-profits.
"Give your money to the needy, not the greedy," Grassley said.
usatoday.com |
