How about a 2009 tax break for charitable donations?

[era veteran]

Could be a win win for everybody.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

1. Aren't they already tax deductible? (nt)

[hlthe2b]

2. If you file the long form, you already get a tax deduction for

charitable deductions...:shrug: I don't follow your point....

[era veteran]

3. Sorry, wasn't clear, I was thinking donations made today in 2010

That might increase some aid to Haiti. I am no kind of expert on tax law but it was a thought.

[sharesunited]

4. They did that exact thing for tsunami relief.

Deductible on 2004 return even though donations were made in 2005.

[dysfunctional press]

5. but the tsunami itself happened in 2004.

i don't think that as many people have as much money available to donate this time around.

[sharesunited]

6. You're sure right about that. But those who can and do give should get the deduction.

Needs quick bill and IRS update.

[dysfunctional press]

8. they will- on next year's taxes.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

7. This idea has been kicked around for quite some time....

To file the long form, you almost (almost) have to own a home and have deductible interest and property taxes.

Renters and elderly homeowners (with paid-off mortgages) give to charitable organizations but can't deduct it. And so some in Congress and elsewhere have argued that there should be a "Page One" deduction that would allow for deductible charitable contributions even if you can't itemize.

The proposal has been out there for some time, but never been put up for a vote.

[hlthe2b]

9. It is a change that is long past due...

[timeforpeace]

10. Tax breaks are a repuke notion.

[era veteran]

11. So you would hinder extra donations?

[Lance_Boyle]

12. People only make donations for tax purposes in late December.

The problem you posit (that people are withholding charitable contributions because they can't claim a tax break for it) is a non-problem. Show me the evidence of one person who was thinking "I'll donate this money" but decided not to for tax reasons...

[era veteran]

13. My thought was people might want to donate more now if they could use it as

a 2009 deduction. Just trying to think of ways to increase the $ now. I do think if it was possible people might donate more. I donate to Doctors Without Borders & Partners in Health. I'll take the deduction but it certainly is NOT the reason I donate.