Thursday, December 31, 2009

Very Last Minute Tax Tips For 2009

Since our mommy is a CPA (she says it means Certified Public Accountant but we know it means Cat's Personal Assistant) and since this is our last post of the year, we wanted to remind you that although charities appreciate donations all year, today is the last day for your cash or non-cash donations to count on your 2009 tax return.
Many charities accept cash donations securely online and will provide a dated receipt immediately after the donation is submitted. Donations by personal check must be in the mail today or taken to a local charity in person. You cannot deduct a cash contribution, regardless of the amount, without proper documentation. This can be in the form of a receipt from the charity, a copy of your cleared check or bank statement, or a credit card statement.

If money is tight these days, there are probably things around your home that you no longer use or want and are in good condition, that you can donate and be able to deduct the value of the items now, not what they cost new. Many communities have thrift shops that sell items to help support charities. In our town, the thrift shop we donate items to supports the local humane society and we're taking in a donation today! This is a relatively painless way to help support causes important to you while clearing your home of unwanted items. It's a win-win situation!

We hope you have a safe and Happy New Years Eve!

33 comments:

Catherine said...

That is a very good reminder! Thank you!

Angel looks like she was already ringing in the New Year with a little catnip or something! Ha ha ~ so cute!

I hope Isabella gets out of the box before she gets scooped up to go to the Thrift Store!

All the best to all of you for 2010!

Teddy Westlife said...

Very good advice for everybody!

I want to wish all of you a very happy new year!

Sakura said...

I wish you Happy New Year!
Best
Sakura

Milo and Alfie said...

Good advice. We are going to make some Noo Year donations of our old toys to the cat's rescue place near us.

Happy Noo Year!

Karen & Gerard Zemeks said...

Thanks for the info--I never knew that thrift stores sell items to support charities. I'm going to share this tidbit in tomorrow's "Things I Learned This Week" post at www.zemeks.blogspot.com with a link back here.

Duni said...

Thanks for the pawsome advice!
Tonight is a special night for me...I get to sleep under the duvet with mommy, coz I'm so scared of the nasty firecrackers.

wishing you a happy, healthy and cat-tastic New Year,

Sammy (and Duni)

Grampy said...

The girls are gorgeous. Is Sadie hiding. She wants to make sure she doesn't go to the thrift shop by accident.
Happy New Year.

Jen said...

I love the photos - Isabella is just TOO cute! I would like to add the suggestion to check out a charity first through the IRS website or Guidestar.org to make sure they are legitimate. (and if you don't have one yet, we would be happy to volunteer for the job *grin* ;o)

The Creek Cats said...

Thanks so much for the tax tips! Our mom has already started to tally up receipts from donations made this year to prepare to file her taxes.
Happy New Year, furiends!

Memories for Life said...

Great reminder :)
It's nice to have a CPA on hand :)

Erika said...

Good tips. It drives my hubby batty but I keep a large bag in the bedroom for all things that go to one of the local shops. It is a great way to give back to the community without filling the landfill!

Have a great year!

Split Rock Ranch said...

Thanks for the tips! Happy New Year!

Meghann said...

Good idea! As tight as things are, there are always those who are worse off than we are. Helping is good!
Hugs,
Meghann and Arwen

The Monkeys said...

Great tax tips! We have kept our receipts this year, so hopefully we can get them organized.

Anonymous said...

You're right - CPA does mean cat's personal assistant. Happy New Year to your and yours.

Sara Katt said...

Thanks for the good advice!
But the tax system works a little differently here in Sweden.
However we do it, we should think about those who are less fortunate -- both pointy-earred and two-legged.

Wish you all a very happy new year!

Purrs and nose-taps from
Sara Cat & Co

Unknown said...

I came here to wish you a very happy new year.
I hope some of your dreams come true.
:)

Marg said...

Great advice and it helps the charities too. The kitties are looking extra cute today. Great pictures. That lucky kitty has all kinds of boxes.
A very HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

Anonymous said...

Happy new years to you all as well, and thanks for the tips!
;)

brokenteepee said...

I see you are all boxed up. Mommy isn't donating you is she?
That would not be good...

The Army of Four said...

What a great reminder! The slammer Dave, Zim and I came from always appreciate donations - collars, leashes, towels, blankets, food - lots of things!!! That's really cool that your thrift shop supports your humane society!!
Happy New Years!
Tail wags,
Storms

Hot Rocks said...

A very happy New Year to my favorite furry pals....... and their Mommy and Daddy of course!

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Tank woo fur the PSA!

We wish ALL of WOO a furry purry Happy 2010!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra & Khousin Merdie
PeeEssWoo: Hi Sadie!

Sparkle said...

My human finished up her 2009 donations a couple of days ago. She's looking forward to having even more to give in 2010!

Happy New Years!!

Reeni said...

Thanks for the tips and the reminder! We hope your all having a Happy New Year! Love Moon and Reeni XO

storybeader said...

you two are so smart, and always full of good suggestions! Thanks, and ♫Happy New Years♫
PS - Watch out for intoxicated drivers! {:-Deb

T said...

Wonderful tips! Thank you for sharing those!

Happy New Year to you all!

Kimo and Sabi said...

We wish you a happy and healthy new year 2010!

Beadin By The Sea said...

Thanks for passing along the tips girls! Wishing you and your Cat Personal Assistant a very Happy New Year!

Anya said...

Thanks for the great tips :-)
Happy New Year....
to
Sharla,Angel,Isabella & Sadi
(and also for daddy .... lol)

hugs
Kareltje =^.^=

Ann said...

Well how silly of your mommy to think that CPA stands for certified public accountant. We all know you are right about it meaning cat's personal assistant. Even though you have a silly mommy this is great advice to end the year with.

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

Good advice and such cute photos of you (you could say you are office assistants with your expertise in boxes!

Splendid Little Stars said...

Of course it means Cat's Personal Assistant!!! Don't let her fool you!
I am appalled that people throw good stuff in the trash, either in the can or by setting it out on the curb, when we have wonderful thrift stores very close by, who will even pick up those unwanted items.

happy New Year to you all!