New Law Allows 2009 Write-off of Haiti Donations; PayPal Waives Fees for Contributions to International Foundation
(International Foundation, January 26, 2010)

A bill passed by the U.S. House and Senate and signed into law last week by President Obama allows taxpayers to write off 2010 donations to relief efforts in Haiti on their 2009 taxes.

Ordinarily donors would have to wait until they file their 2010 returns next year to take the deductions. Lawmakers hope the 2009 tax break will encourage more donations. The bill affects contributions made by the end of February 2010.

PayPal Fees Waived

An arrangement between the NRECA International Foundation and the online payment site PayPal will allow the Foundation to receive donations to its Haiti Relief Fund without paying transfer fees. The waiver means 100 percent of the funds donated to the Foundation through PayPal will go directly to electricity restoration projects in Haiti. The waiver is retroactive to January 12 and will remain in place until February 11.

Make your PayPal donation through the International Foundation Web site. Just click on "Make a Donation."