Immediate Tax Benefits for Haiti Contributions

March 1, 2010 Deadline

Individuals who give to charities providing earthquake relief in Haiti can claim these donations on the tax return they are completing this season, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

Taxpayers who itemize deductions on their 2009 return qualify for this special tax relief provision, enacted Jan. 22. Only cash contributions made to these charities after Jan. 11, 2010, and before March 1, 2010, are eligible. This includes contributions made by text message, check, credit card or debit card.

Increasing Cash Collections

Even profitable businesses sometimes have trouble paying their bills. Running out of cash will get any organization into trouble. Every business needs to monitor how its customers are paying what they owe. Because even good customers sometimes fall behind in paying their bills, every business needs to regularly monitor its accounts receivable.

The sooner you spot a problem, the sooner you can contact the delinquent customer. Maybe there’s a clerical problem with the bill or maybe the customer is directing its limited resources to a vendor who’s more forceful. Whatever the reason, you need to decide as soon as possible how to proceed.

The Sky's the Limit with Skype

I'm turned on with Skype and you should be too!

What is Skype? A free service allowing users around the world to make calls, video or phone, over the internet. It's really neat. I've had video calls with friends in Italy on a few occasions. If you haven't heard of Skype, then you are really missing out! Skype requires a camera and microphone for your computer. Although many computers are already equipped with a camera and microphone, mine was not. I purchased a relatively inexpensive camera with built-in microphone for $79 and it works great.