Legislature Overwhelmingly Passes 2004 Tax Deductions for Tsunami Donations
(St. Paul) A bill which passed the Minnesota Legislature overwhelmingly Thursday, January 20, provides a one month extension of 2004 tax deduction eligibility for contributions made to Indian Ocean tsunami disaster relief.
Essentially, individuals and corporations will have the opportunity to claim a tax deduction on their 2004 filings for any monetary donation made before January 31, 2005. Taxpayers will have the option of claiming that deduction in either the 2004 or 2005 tax year once the bill is signed into law, an action which is expected soon.
Earlier this month, the United States Congress passed the same one month extension for federal income tax deductions.
“From the other side of the world, it can be easy to feel helpless,” said Senator Claire Robling (R-Jordan), who supported the proposal. “But writing a check to relief organizations like the Red Cross, Catholic or Lutheran Relief Services, or the United Way before the end of this month could make a real difference for families in need, and you can still claim the deduction on your 2004 income taxes.”
Citizens who wish to contribute can visit www.freedomcorp.gov for a list of approved charities assisting in the tsunami relief effort.
State Senator Claire Robling encourages and appreciates constituent input. She can be reached by phone at (651)296-5245, by mail at 143 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155, or via e-mail at sen.claire.robling@senate.mn.
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