REP. MIKE THOMPSON INTRODUCES BILL TO PROVIDE EXPEDITED TAX RELIEF FOR DONATIONS TO TYPHOON HAIYAN RECOVERY EFFORTS

U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA-15) introduced the bipartisan Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act, legislation that provides expedited tax relief for Americans making charitable donations in support of Typhoon Haiyan recovery efforts in the Philippines. The legislation, H.R. 3771 was co-authored by Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-CA-15), Darrell Issa (R-CA-49) and Joe Heck (R-NV-3). A Senate companion bill was introduced by Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Dean Heller (R-NV).

While there was an immediate outpouring of donations and other assistance following the Typhoon Haiyan this November, the length of the rebuilding process means contributions are still needed now and in the months ahead. This bill is intended to spur donations to charitable organizations by allowing taxpayers who donate to the relief efforts to receive tax benefits nearly a year faster than usual.

"When tragedy strikes around the world, the folks in our country don't sit on the sideline – they help," said Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5). "Our allies in the Philippines are still in the early stages of a long-term rebuilding effort and this bipartisan legislation will make sure that our communities are able to provide the help our friends need during this important phase of rebuilding and recovery."

The tax code provides a delayed incentive for making charitable contributions. Taxpayers can claim a tax deduction for contributions they make to charities, but they receive the tax incentive many months later after they file their tax returns the following year.

The Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act eliminates this delay. The bill would allow taxpayers who donate to the relief efforts in the Philippines before March 1, 2014 to take the charitable deduction when they file their 2013 tax returns.

H.R. 3771 was referred to the House Committee on the Budget and the House Committee on Ways and Means, on which Thompson serves as a senior member.


Congressman Mike Thompson is proud to represent California's 5th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma Counties. He is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Rep. Thompson is also a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and chairs the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus.

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