Donations To Families Of Slain Detectives Made After Dec. 31 Are Eligible For 2014 Tax Deduction, According To New Bill
Did you make a donation towards an organization supporting the families of Detective Wenjian Liu or Detective Rafael Ramos?
Well, thanks to a newly passed bi-partisan bill, cosponsored by Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and Congressman Peter King, your donations can be claimed for tax deduction on your 2014 tax claim – even if the donation was made after December 31.
The House of Representatives unanimously passed the Slain Officer Family Support Act of 2015 today, extending the tax deadline so that those making charitable donations to organizations supporting the families of the assassinated detectives can apply such tax deductions to their 2014 tax return.
Under the current law, taxpayers who contributed to organizations providing financial support to the Liu and Ramos families were required to make their contributions by December 31 of last year to qualify for a tax deduction in this tax season. Upon enactment, charitable contributions made before this year’s April 15 tax filing deadline would be eligible.
“Detectives Ramos and Liu were courageous individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting and serving our community. In the aftermath of this unspeakable tragedy, we must stand behind the families these heroes left behind. Passage of this tax incentive legislation in the House is an important step in that direction,” said Jeffries.
Bill Johnson, executive director of the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) applauded Congress’ move.
“This important legislation will ensure continued support to the families of two heroes who dedicated their lives to public service, NYPD Detectives Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu. As we continue to mourn the loss of these officers, who were members of NAPO, it is critical that we provide their families with every available resource,” said Johnson. “We stand ready to support any efforts necessary to ensure this bill becomes law.”
Detectives Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos shot dead in their squad cars outside a Brooklyn housing project on December 20. Thousands attended the Dyker Heights wake and funeral of Officer Liu, who lived on West 6th Street in Gravesend.
Detective Ramos, 40, joined the NYPD two years ago and is survived by a wife and two sons, ages 13 and 19. Detective Liu, 32, is survived by his newlywed wife and his immigrant parents. Congress enacted similar laws in both 2014 and 2010 to encourage donations to the Philippines in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda and to Haiti after they suffered from a major earthquake.
The bill is expected to go before the Senate in the next few days.
