Yesterday, the Senate unanimously approved HR 4462, which allows U.S. taxpayers to claim charitable contributions to Haiti relief programs made before March 1, 2010, on their 2009 income tax return. Under current law, taxpayers would have to wait until 2011 to claim a tax deduction on their 2010 returns. President Obama is expected to sign the bill soon.

One item of note, if approved, it will allow phone bills to be used as proof for taxpayers who made their donation via a text message.