(WASHINGTON, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Max Baucus (D-Mont), ranking member of the
Senate Finance Committee, reminded individuals and corporations less than a week remains to
receive a tax deduction for contributions made to aid the tsunami victims for the 2005 filing
season. The provision expires for donations made after Monday, Jan. 31, 2005. Americans
have donated over $585 million to help victims of the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Earlier this month, Senator Baucus, joined by Chairman Charles Grassley, introduced
legislation allowing extra time for Americans to make cash donations to charities supporting
relief operations in the Indian Ocean basin. Under the new law, taxpayers will be permitted to
claim a tax deduction in tax year 2004 for cash donations made before Jan. 31, 2005, for
tsunami disaster relief.
“The response by the American public has been incredible," Baucus said. “Rebuilding
these countries will take decades. The donations made will expedite this healing process and
save millions from disease, famine, and homelessness."
Charitable organizations have been receiving generous donations to aid with the relief
efforts. Those coordinating the efforts have been asking for cash donations to eliminate the
burden of shipping goods overseas and to stimulate economic growth by allowing cash to flow
into local economies.
Kenneth L. Gladish, Ph.D., National Executive Director, YMCA of the USA thanked
those who have donated to this cause.
“YMCA of the USA is extremely thankful for the contributions we have received over
the past few weeks that will help our relief and rebuilding work in the devastated areas affected
by the tsunami," said Gladish. “There were many YMCAs in the region severely affected by this
disaster, in the coastal areas of India and in the east and south of Sri Lanka as well. Immediately,
these shattered Ys began outreach and relief to their communities and quickly organized shelters
for children. To help injured, orphaned and homeless children who are in desperate need of
comfort, I encourage all Americans to take advantage of this tax provision and act before the end
of January by making a contribution to one of the many charitable organizations responding to
this crisis." (WASHINGTON, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Max Baucus (D-Mont), ranking member of theSenate Finance Committee, reminded individuals and corporations less than a week remains toreceive a tax deduction for contributions made to aid the tsunami victims for the 2005 filingseason. The provision expires for donations made after Monday, Jan. 31, 2005. Americanshave donated over $585 million to help victims of the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Earlier this month, Senator Baucus, joined by Chairman Charles Grassley, introducedlegislation allowing extra time for Americans to make cash donations to charities supportingrelief operations in the Indian Ocean basin. Under the new law, taxpayers will be permitted toclaim a tax deduction in tax year 2004 for cash donations made before Jan. 31, 2005, fortsunami disaster relief.
“The response by the American public has been incredible," Baucus said. “Rebuildingthese countries will take decades. The donations made will expedite this healing process andsave millions from disease, famine, and homelessness."
Charitable organizations have been receiving generous donations to aid with the reliefefforts. Those coordinating the efforts have been asking for cash donations to eliminate theburden of shipping goods overseas and to stimulate economic growth by allowing cash to flowinto local economies.
Kenneth L. Gladish, Ph.D., National Executive Director, YMCA of the USA thankedthose who have donated to this cause.
“YMCA of the USA is extremely thankful for the contributions we have received overthe past few weeks that will help our relief and rebuilding work in the devastated areas affectedby the tsunami," said Gladish. “There were many YMCAs in the region severely affected by thisdisaster, in the coastal areas of India and in the east and south of Sri Lanka as well. Immediately,these shattered Ys began outreach and relief to their communities and quickly organized sheltersfor children. To help injured, orphaned and homeless children who are in desperate need ofcomfort, I encourage all Americans to take advantage of this tax provision and act before the endof January by making a contribution to one of the many charitable organizations responding tothis crisis."
