Statement on Federal and State Tax Policy

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a nonprofit, charitable organization dedicated to finding cures for blood-related diseases and to assisting patients and their families. As such, it is dependent on the generosity of individuals and institutions to fund that mission.

The Society promotes federal and state tax policies that enhance the financial incentives of making charitable contributions and increase access to charitable institutions.

In particular, the Society supports:

• Deductability of Charitable Contributions for Non-Itemizers
  The restoration of this tax provision would recognize the contributions of individuals and families and acknowledge the contributions charitable organizations make to society. A recent study found that this change would significantly increase charitable giving - in one case to more than $3 billion annually. In the case of the Society, it would significantly enhance the ability of non-itemizers - some 71 percent of taxpayers - to increase the level of assistance available for medical research and patient assistance.
  
  
• Tax Incentives Targeted to Medical Research
  Recent legislation would modify the limitations on the deductability of charitable gifts for amounts dedicated to medical research. This legislation is a recognition that the likely gains from medical research are so high that the reward, both medically and financially, would far outweigh the initial cost. A Price-Waterhouse study found that had such a provision been available during the year 2000, private contributions would have increased by 4.5 percent. As a major charitable organization focused on medical research, the Society would benefit from this approach by significantly enhancing funding for its research portfolio.
  
  
• The Use of Check-Off Boxes on State Income Tax Returns
  The use of check-off boxes on income tax forms to fund charitable organizations began in 1972 and now includes virtually every state with a broad-based income tax. As of 1999, there were 177 check-off programs available to taxpayers in 41 states. Fourteen states currently provide check-off programs for contributions to charitable causes involved in medical research. The Society encourages states to provide an opportunity for taxpayer contributions to its mission by including a dedicated check-off box on income tax forms.

October 12, 2000

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