Californians Facing April 15th Tax Deadline Encouraged to Make a Charitable Contribution on State Tax Form

LOS ANGELES, April 8 /PRNewswire/ -- As Californians face the annual April 15th tax filing deadline, it is important for taxpayers to remember how simple it can be to make a tax-deductible contribution to one or more worthwhile causes when completing state tax form 540.

California is one of 41 states that allow taxpayers to make a voluntary contribution in the "Contributions" section of their state tax return. Since 1984, California's tax check-off program has raised $89 million and provided critical funding to a diverse range of public health, social service, and environmental protection programs. In 2009 alone, more than 400,000 Californians participated, contributing an average of $12 each and raising a record $4.9 million.

"As April 15th gets closer, it's important to remember that we can have a positive impact on our communities and those in need by 'checking off' certain boxes on our tax returns," stated California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in his message for Checkoff California Month.

The annual Checkoff California media campaign, now in its fourth year, reaches out to taxpayers and tax preparers to deliver the message that, regardless of income, anyone can help. The funds participating in the 2010 campaign are: the Alzheimer's Disease/Related Disorders Fund, the California Breast Cancer Research Fund, the California Firefighters' Memorial Fund, the California Military Family Relief Fund, the California Fund for Senior Citizens, the California Sea Otter Fund, the State Children's Trust Fund for the Prevention of Child Abuse, the Rare and Endangered Species Preservation Program, the Emergency Food for Families Fund, and the ALS/Lou Gehrig's Disease Research Fund.

Media partners include the Northern California Broadcasters Association, Southern California Broadcasters Association, and the San Diego Radio Broadcasters Association. Sponsorship of Checkoff California is generously provided by the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA). CalCPA (http://www.calcpa.org) is the nation's largest state accounting organization and the largest CPA association in California. It serves 33,000 members in public practice, private industry, education and government. Through CalCPA Institute, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, CalCPA members provide financial literacy programs to high schools and community groups.

For more information, visit http://www.checkoffcalifornia.org

Checkoff California logo:  http://www.ereleases.com/pr/Checkoff-California-logo.jpg

CalCPA logo:  http://www.ereleases.com/pic/CalCPA-logo.jpg

    
    
    Contact:
    
    Robert Berger
    310-422-9102
    [email protected]

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SOURCE CheckoffCalifornia.org