Bush Tsunami Relief, War on Terror

President Briefed on Tsunami Relief, War on Terror
The Pentagon 11:21 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Secretary, thank you very much for the briefing that we just had. The Secretary arranged for a briefing from Admiral Fargo and our commanders on the ground who are providing organization and handling the relief effort for the victims of the tsunamis. I got to tell you our military is making a significant difference in providing relief and aid and help and compassion for those who have suffered. I am very impressed, Mr. Secretary, by how quickly we have responded and the assets that you have ordered deployed to help these people. And there's a lot of talk about how some in the world don't appreciate America, well, I can assure you that those who have been helped by our military appreciate America.

We also talked about the war on terror. We're constantly reviewing our strategy as to how to defeat the enemy -- fully recognize that the war on terror will require a coordinated effort within our own government, as well as a coordinated effort with the countries around the world which understand the stakes of this war. I am pleased with the response from around the world, appreciate so many nations understanding that we must work together to defeat these killers. I'm mindful of the fact that we have -- constantly have got to review our plans and never lose our will.

So, Mr. Secretary, thanks for the briefing. It was a very good briefing, and you're doing a fine job on behalf of the American people.

SECRETARY RUMSFELD: Thank you, sir.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. END 11:24 A.M. EST
For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 13, 2005

Tsunami Relief Contributions Tax Deductable

A new law allows taxpayers who itemize to deduct on their 2004 tax returns certain contributions to charities to aid the victims of the tsunami even if the contribution was made during January 2005. For more information, see New Law Encourages Tsunami Relief Contributions.

Generally, contributions are deductible for the year in which they are actually made.

Contributions to domestic, tax-exempt, charitable organizations that provide assistance to individuals in foreign lands qualify as tax-deductible contributions for federal income tax purposes provided the U.S. organization has full control and discretion over the uses of such funds.

Publication 3833, Disaster Relief: Providing Assistance through Charitable Organizations (PDF 507K), explains how the public can use charitable organizations to help victims of disasters, and how new organizations can obtain tax-exempt status.

New Organizations

New organizations seeking tax-exempt status to provide relief to victims of the December 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia should apply by filing Form 1023, Application for Recognition of Exemption (PDF 882K) and write "Tsunami Relief" at the top of the form. The IRS will give these applications immediate attention.