The Office of Legislative
and Public Affairs

Fact Sheets

Gifts to the United States:
Hurricane Relief

The Department of the U.S. Treasury (Treasury) has been receiving payments from U.S. citizens wishing to contribute to the national cause of helping with the hurricane relief efforts. There is no Treasury account designated for specific use for disaster relief related to the damage and destruction brought on by natural disasters. Citizens who wish to make a donation to the U.S. Government may send contributions to the account called "Gifts to the United States." This account was established in 1843 to accept gifts, such as bequests, from individuals wishing to express their patriotism to the United States. Money deposited into this account is for general use by the federal government and is available for budget needs across all of Government. These contributions are considered an unconditional gift to the Government. Financial gifts to the United States can be made by check or money order payable to the United States Treasury and mailed to:

Gifts to the United States
U.S. Department of the Treasury
Credit Accounting Branch
3700 East-West Highway, Room 622D
Hyattsville, MD 20782

In cases where individuals wish to donate their federal payment, such as a tax refund, they should endorse the check and write "Pay to the Order of the United States Treasury" on the back of the check, and then mail it to the above address.

Individuals wishing to make cash or goods donations specifically for these relief efforts can find more information on how to volunteer or donate at http://www.usafreedomcorps.gov/.

Any tax-related questions regarding these contributions should be directed to the Internal Revenue Service at (800) 829-1040.