While you may be concerned about your 2009 tax return, right now is a good time to start thinking about 2010.  Beginning in 2010, new tax provisions have been enacted, some have been extended that were set to expire, while others have disappeared. This article serves as an outline of the major tax law changes you should be aware of to minimize taxes. Please note that some of the changes below could be altered again by Congress this year.

The Senate unanimously approved House passed legislation (H.R. 4462) that allows taxpayers to make charitable contributions to Haiti relief programs before March 1, 2010 and claim those contributions on their 2009 income tax return.  It includes a provision that allows phone bills as proof of text-messaged donations. The Senate had introduced a companion bill (S. 2936) but instead approved the House bill by unanimous consent.  The President is expected to sign the bill into law immediately.

We ask that all of our clients provide us with details of these contributions; we will then evaluate during the preparation of their 2009 tax return, whether it is best to include in 2009 or delay to 2010.

The tax organizers are now available and clients should have received an e-mail with login instructions.

If you have not received the e-mail or if you would like to receive a web organizer this year please send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it