Charitable groups in South Florida have raised millions of dollars to help the victims of the Champlain Towers South collapse in Surfside.
Florida’s senators now want to help the recipients.
U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott recently issued a letter to the head of the IRS, asking that America’s tax-law enforcers ensure that these contributions, as they are doled out, meet the agency’s definition as tax-deductible.
According to their letter, the Support Surfside Fund, an account established by philanthropic groups in the region, has raised $5 million from more than 16,500 people since the 12-story condominium partially collapsed on June 24, killing 98 people.
The Shul of Bal Harbour, a nearby synagogue that lost several members in the tragedy, also set up the 8777 Collins Avenue Relief Fund, which according to Rubio and Scott has raised “substantial” donations.
They note that other groups have pitched in as well.
The concern now is that the funding would be eligible for claims against taxes.
“We have heard from constituents with questions regarding the tax treatment of gifts from these and other disaster relief-related funds,” Rubio and Scott wrote to IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig.
“In an effort to eliminate any potential ambiguity, we ask that you provide clear and definitive guidance that payments from a charitable organization as a result of the tower’s collapse are considered non-taxable gifts, as is consistent with longstanding IRS policy.”
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