Don’t Let Wisconsinites with MS Lose Support
Changes to the tax check-off program could erase $75,000
Changes to the income tax donation program – which go into effect in 2015 for the 2014 filing –
could erase $75,000 or more in financial assistance for those with MS. That will affect the quality of
life for some people diagnosed with MS and put them at a greater risk in being able to maintain
their independence.
A
recently enacted change to Wisconsin’s tax
check-off program will require each tax
check-off organization or cause to generate at
least $75,000 in donations each year or else they
will be cut from the program. The change will
go into effect based on donations made through
the 2014 state income tax forms. That means
if multiple sclerosis does not generate at least
$75,000 from donations designated on this year’s
state tax forms (the ones that must be filed by
April 15, 2015), multiple sclerosis will be removed
from the program and those with MS will lose
tens of thousands of dollars in available financial
assistance. Less than $56,000 was contributed
to MS through last year’s income tax forms.
If you work with a tax preparer
Why the Program is Important
Remember, your donation is tax deductible.
• Every dollar donated stays in Wisconsin to
help Wisconsin residents diagnosed with MS.
If just $7.50 was given for every person in
Wisconsin diagnosed with MS, more than the
required $75,000 would be raised.
• The funds help those in need of financial
assistance in paying for products or services that
will improve their quality of life or help them
maintain their independence.
• It provides tens of thousands of dollars in
assistance each year for those who need it most.
What You Can Do
If you file your own taxes
1. Find the section on your print or electronic
tax form titled “Donations.”
2. Select “multiple sclerosis.”
3. Indicate the amount you want to donate.
4. Ask your friends and family to “Make a
Mark for MS” on their tax forms, too.
MS Connection | 6
1. L
et him/her know you want to make a
donation for multiple sclerosis through
your tax form and how much to designate.
2. B
efore signing off on your prepared tax return,
verify that the donation has been designated.
3. A
sk your tax preparer to let others know
about the option.
4. Ask your friends and family to “Make a
Mark for MS” on their tax forms, too.
Some residents have reported that their tax
preparer did not know about the tax check-off
program option. Therefore, it’s important to ask.
Please make a mark for MS on your tax return
this season! n
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Jon Straumfjord
Enter with Confidence
MS Navigator program helps local man maintain independence
A
s a substitute teacher, Jon Straumfjord has to travel long
distances through school hallways, which can be an exhausting
task due to his multiple sclerosis. He also is a church musician and
does the grocery shopping for his family. To make these tasks easier,
he wanted a travel scooter to help give him more mobility.
When his insurance would not cover the expense, he turned to the MS
Navigator program at the National MS Society-Wisconsin Chapter.
Through the program, Straumfjord received financial assistance to
help with his purchase of a travel scooter that dismantles
Pa g e
NO CO
2
of 2
MMAS
for easy transport in the back of his vehicle. He said, “If I
; NO C
ENTS
have concerns about walking distances within a building,
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I can simply get out my scooter and enter with confidence.”
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Now, Straumfjord can teach, shop and travel much more easily
than before he had the scooter. “I would like to express my
deep gratitude and appreciation to the donors that made this
equipment available to me. It was certainly a great relief to
know that there are people who were willing to help me in
my time of need.” n
Donations for multiple
sclerosis made through
the tax check-off program
(called Make a Mark for
MS) are used for products
and services that help those
diagnosed with MS improve
their quality of life and
maintain their independence.
That includes funding to
help with travel scooters,
motorized wheelchairs,
accessibility modifications
for houses or vehicles,
physical therapy and more.
MS Connection | 7