January 12, 2005

U.S. Tax Deduction for Tsunami Aid

A new law enacted on January 7, 2005, allows U.S. taxpayers who itemize deductions to claim on their 2004 tax returns charitable cash donations made during January 2005 for Indian Ocean Tsunami survivor relief.

So that members and friends may benefit from this legislation, all donations to the Oblation Fund and World Hunger Fund between January 1 and January 31, 2005, will be used for tsunami survivor relief and thus are eligible for deduction on either their 2004 or 2005 tax returns. Members and friends who wish to claim the deduction for 2004 may request a special statement if needed from their congregational financial officer.

This will not affect the funding available for other Oblation and World Hunger needs. The challenge for contributors to donate more generously to Oblation and World Hunger during February remains as 100% of contributions to Oblation and World Hunger above the average during that month will also be granted for the tsunami relief effort.

For more information about the Community of Christ commitment to offer aid to tsunami survivors, visit www.CofChrist.org/hunger/news/tsunami1-05.asp.  

For more information about the law to encourage tsunami relief contributions, visit www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=133843,00.html. 

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