IRA Charitable Rollover Should be Approved

September 17, 2008, Washington, D.C.:  Marina Weiss, senior vice president of public policy and government affairs for the March of Dimes, issued the following statement:
 
"The March of Dimes is encouraged that the Senate is expected to take up the substitute amendment to H.R. 6049, a bill to reauthorize a series of tax measures that have or are about to expire.  Of special interest to the March of Dimes and other charities is a provision in the bill that would retroactively extend the IRA charitable rollover until the end of calendar year 2009.  This provision, originally enacted as part of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, would permit individuals age 70½ and older to donate to charities from their IRA accounts without incurring a penalty or other adverse tax consequences.
 
"Given the current economic environment, virtually all charities are struggling to raise the funds they need to carry out their missions.  Donations made possible by the IRA charitable rollover can help the March of Dimes continue to fund cutting edge research on the causes and prevention of preterm birth and birth defects as well as numerous community based programs geared toward improving the health of women, infants and children.
 
"The March of Dimes urges Members of the Senate to act quickly so that a final bill can be sent to the President before the end of this Congress."