Haiti donations in 2010 tax-deductible on your 2009 return

The New York Times reports:

If you made a charitable contribution to the relief effort in Haiti, you may be able to claim a deduction on your 2009 tax return.

Normally, contributions are deductible only for the same tax year in which they are made. But both houses of Congress moved quickly to make an exception, which allows taxpayers who itemize their tax deductions to deduct their donations on their 2009 returns for qualified Haiti disaster relief. President Obama is expected to sign the measure shortly.

There are a few stipulations. The contributions, which must be monetary, must have been made after Jan. 11 but before March 1, according to a CCH Tax Briefing (PDF). And donations must be made to a domestic charity that is assisting Haiti.