Taxable Talk

As we mentioned yesterday, the relief from Hurricane Katrina will take months. Your contributions will be welcome not only today, but in the future.

While we're fans of the Salvation Army and United Jewish Communities, check with your employer and see if they have a matching gift program. If you're uncertain, you can check the Matching Gifts Company Clearinghouse Website (thanks to Roth & Company Tax Updates and the InsureBlog for the tip). You can also find a long list of charities here.

The IRS has announced that taxpayers in the impacted areas have until October 15th (rather than September 15th) to make their 3rd quarter estimated tax payments. If you late file your return, mark it in red ink on the top "Hurricane Katrina." Employment and excise tax payments due from August 28th through September 23rd for impacted taxpayers will not have penalties if made by October 31st. Given the situation, it is probable that these dates may be extended.

Additionally, the IRS has set up a special toll-free telephone number for people impacted by Hurricane Katrina. The number is 1-866-562-5227. This number is staffed between 7am and 10pm local time, Monday through Friday. You can also go the IRS Katrina web page. From here, you can find information on donations, tax relief, and information for impacted IRS employees.

We've all seen pictures of the destruction in New Orleans, Biloxi and Gulfport. I personally know one family that has lost everything except their lives. They're lucky; they evacuated. Many, many more aren't as fortunate.

Everyone needs to pitch in. A blogosphere relief effort has been organized by the New Zealand Bear. If you're a blogger, go there to add your site.

Personally, may I suggest donating through your employer (especially if they have a matching program) to any of the charities that are (and will be) doing work for months in the Southeast. Personally, I recommend the Salvation Army and United Jewish Communities. Both organizations are excellent, and the money will go where it's needed. You can find a long list of other charities here.

Let's all pitch in.

Salvation Army:
Mail:
The Salvation Army
PO Box 4857
Jackson, MS 39296-4857
Write "Disaster Relief" on the bottom of the check; or call 800-SAL-ARMY; or go here.

United Jewish Communities:
Mail:
United Jewish Communities
P.O. Box 30
Old Chelsea Station
New York, NY 10113
Attention: Hurricane Katrina
write "Hurricane Katrina" on the bottom of the check; or call 877-277-2477; or go here.

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