Finance & Benefits

Chile Emergency

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has sent an initial emergency grant to its relief partners in Chile to help them respond to the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that rocked the South American country last weekend. You can help with financial support. Please make your check payable to WPAUMC and mail it to the Conference Center. 100% of your gift will be given to UMCOR, Chile Emergency Advance #3021178.

Haiti Emergency

Support for emergency relief efforts can be made to Haiti. One hundred percent of gifts goes to the emergency efforts in Haiti. Please make checks payable to WPAUMC, designate Haiti Emergency 2010, Advance #418325 and mail to:

United Methodist Center

Treasurer's Office

PO Box 5002

Cranberry Township, PA 16066

President Signs Law Accelerating Haiti Donation Deductions

Also on Friday, President Obama signed into law the Haiti Assistance Income Tax Relief Act. The new law allows taxpayers to deduct contributions made for the relief of victims in areas affected by the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti on their 2009 tax returns instead of on their 2010 returns. To be eligible for an accelerated deduction, the contributions must be made after Jan. 11, 2010, and before March 1, 2010, and meet the requirements of IRC § 170.

The act also allows such donations to be substantiated by a telephone bill showing the name of the donee organization, the date of the contribution and the amount of the contribution.

IRS Announces 2010 Standard Mileage Rates

Beginning January 1, 2010, the standard mileage rates will be 50 cents per mile for business miles driven and 14 cents per mile for volunteer service. The new mileage rates reflect generally lower transportation costs compared to a year ago.

Staff names and contact:

Patricia A. Morris

Treasurer

Director of Administrative Services

Conference Benefits Officer

(724)776-2300, Ext. 246

Treasurer@wpaumc.org

Larry Bridge

Controller

(724)776-2300, Ext. 240

Larry.Bridge@wpaumc.org

Sally Bickerton