Aubuchon collecting for Haiti

Aubuchon Hardware has designated its distribution center in Westminster, Mass., as a collection point for relief supplies to be shipped to Haiti. The company is specifically collecting items for an orphanage in Haiti named God’s Littlest Angels (http://www.glahaiti.org). Items needed are: baby diapers and wipes, baby formula and rice cereal, infant/children’s vitamins, other baby care items. Anyone wishing to help should purchase any of those items and take them to a local Aubuchon Hardware store by Feb. 15.

Haiti relief qualifies for immediate tax relief

People who give to charities providing earthquake relief in Haiti can claim these donations on the tax return they are completing this season, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Taxpayers who itemize deductions on their 2009 return qualify for this special tax relief provision, enacted on Jan. 22. Only cash contributions made to these charities after Jan. 11, 2010, and before March 1, 2010, are eligible. This includes contributions made by text message, check, credit card and debit card.

Taxpayers have the option of deducting these contributions on either their 2009 or 2010 returns, but not both. To get a tax benefit, taxpayers must itemize their deductions on Schedule A. Those who claim the standard deduction, including all short-form filers, are not eligible.

Taxpayers should be sure their contributions go to qualified charities. Most organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible donations are listed in a searchable online database available on IRS.gov under Search for Charities. Some organizations, such as churches or governments, may be qualified even though they are not listed on IRS.gov. Donors can find out more about organizations helping Haitian earthquake victims from agencies such as USAID.

— Information supplied by the businesses and organizations

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