Don’t Feel Guilty

Remember you are under absolutely no obligation to give so don’t allow yourself to be pressured. You don’t have to “decide now.” And never give out your credit card number unless you are sure you are giving to a bona-fide charity. Otherwise you might find yourself giving and giving and giving without your knowledge, and all the time the money is going into someone’s pocket.

Checking it out!

Any charity which raises more than $25,000 annually is required to be listed with that state’s Attorney General. And the IRS also keeps track of charities. Further, the Post Office keeps a roster of charities which use non-profit mailing permits. All of this information is a matter of public record.

Remember it is OK to be generous. But you want to help for the right reasons and you want to help the right charity. So, take the time to check things out before you donate, especially if you’re looking for that tax deduction.

External Links:

• Internal Revenue Service - The IRS keeps track of bona fide non-profits
• U. S. Post Office Postal Inspection Service - Source to check legaility of mailed solicitations
• Guidestar Charity Search - Listing of qualified charitible organizations in the US
• Internet Nonprofit Center - Additional source of bona fide non-profits