House Approves Quick Tax Break for Chile Donations

The House of Representatives has passed legislation to allow people who donate money to help victims of last month’s earthquake in Chile to claim an itemized deduction on their 2009 tax returns. It would apply to gifts made through April 15.

The bill, H.R. 4783, which was approved on Wednesday, would also extend until April 15 a similar tax benefit that applies to donations for Haitian earthquake relief efforts. That measure expired on March 1.

The legislation will now be considered by the Senate.