Under a new rule, donations for the Haiti earthquake relief made in January and February of 2010 can be deducted on 2009 tax returns. The contributions that count include cash, check, credit card and cell phone text messages. The donation must be made to U.S. charities.

Be sure to let your tax preparer know if you made a contribution in 2010. The issue will be whether 2009 or 2010 is the best year to take the deduction.

Let us know if you have questions or comments. Thanks,

Steven