Hello Advocates:
Our Illinois 2002 Income Tax Check-off is in full swing and it will be nip and tuck all the way to make our $100,000. You all should have received door hangers from our Chapter office asking you and your family and friends to checkoff a donation on Line 28G of the Illinois 2002 Income Tax Return. Our Chapter is asking us to take those door hangers to our local libraries for their tax information tables. Also, if your local school has a library, bring your door hangers to school. If you need more door hangers, please call: Carl Alston, Public Relations Dept., Greater Illinois Chapter, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 312-423-1160.
Below is general information and talking points about our Income Tax Checkoff Program.
1. Where can I make a Check-Off Program donation to MS?
When completing the 2002 Illinois Tax Return, Illinois taxpayers can indicate their choice to donate to the Multiple Sclerosis Assistance Fund on Line 28G
2. Is there a minimum or maximum amount for a Check-Off Program donation?
The Check-Off Program donation can be in any amount of $1.00 or more.
3. How does a Check-Off Program donation work if I am to receive a refund?
If the taxpayer has a refund due, the Check-Off Program donation will reduce the amount of the refund received.
4. How does a Check-Off Program donation work if I owe tax money?
If the taxpayer owes money to the State of Illinois, the Check-Off Program donation will increase the amount owed.
5. Are Check-Off Program donations tax deductible?
All Check-Off Program donations are tax deductible on the following year's tax return. For example: a taxpayer may deduct their 2002 Check-Off Program donation on the 2003 Illinois tax return.
6. Do I have to itemize deductions in order to make a Check-Off Program donation?
You do not need to itemize your tax deductions to make a Check-Off Program donation.
7. Who administers the Check-Off Program money?
All monies contributed to The Multiple Sclerosis Assistance Fund will be held by the State of Illinois for later distribution.
8.How is the Check-Off Program money used?
All monies checked off to The Multiple Sclerosis Assistance Fund must be used for health-related programs available to people with MS in Illinois, such as those provided by the Greater Illinois Chapter of the National MS Society.
9. Is there a minimum amount that must be contributed to an organization for it to remain in the Check-Off Program category?
A minimum of $100,000 must be donated through the Check-Off Program to the Multiple Sclerosis Assistance Fund on the 2002 State of Illinois 1040 Income Tax form, and each year following.
10. What happens if the minimum of $100,000 is not donated to the MS Assistance Fund through the Check-Off Program each year?
If $100,000 is not donated through the Check-Off Program each year, The Multiple Sclerosis Assistance Fund is prevented from any future appearance in the check-off category on the Illinois tax return.
As always, I enjoy hearing from you. So let me know how our Illinois Income Tax Checkoff campaign is going.
Yolanda Treiguts
Chair, Advocacy/Government Relations Committee
Greater Illinois Chapter
National Multiple Sclerosis Society