No Deduction on 2010 Returns for Japan Relief Donations

If you’ve given money to the American Red Cross, Americare, or other charitable organization providing assistance in the wake of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, you won’t be able to deduct your contribution until you file your 2011 return. When the earthquake hit Haiti last year, Congress passed a special law allowing donations made within a set time to be deductible on the prior-year return; no such law has been passed for Japanese relief donations.

Note: Only taxpayers who itemize their deductions in 2011 will be able to claim their donations when they file their returns next year.