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NEW! - Keywords For This Page: Social Responsibility - Charities / Donations
Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.
 | KNOW WHAT YOU CAN DEDUCT |  |
- can only deduct the fair market value for an item
- fair market value takes into account item's condition and age
- IRS publication 526 will help you determine your values
- need a written appraisal for donations of $5000 or more
- may deduct mileage for dropping off donations
- contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 when in doubt
| TAX ISSUES | |
- your donation must be to a qualified organization to be deductible
- a "tax-exempt" organization doesn't mean "tax-deductible" donation
- check IRS publication 78 to see if the organization is qualified
- churches and governments are automatically qualified
- get a receipt for every donation
- must itemize your deductions on your tax return
- to itemize, your deductions must be more than the standard deduction
| VERIFYING THE CHARITY | |
- get the charity's information in writing
- include name, address, and telephone number
- find out the charity's mission
- ask how your donation will be used
- check with the Better Business Bureau in your area
- get proof that your donation will be tax deductible
- check out the charity's finances, tax records, or annual report
- see if the charity is registered with your state at www.nasconet.org
- visit www.give.org, www.charitywatch.org, or www.guidestar.org
| WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF | |
- be wary of overly-sentimental appeals
- watch out for names that are similar to larger charities
- "tax-exempt" or "tax ID" don't mean your donation is deductible
- "keep for your records" doesn't mean your donation is deductible
- find out how much is spent on services versus administration
Copyright 2000-2009 Ramona Creel -- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box and a link to www.RamonaCreel.com.
Ramona Creel is Professional Organizer, NAPO Golden Circle Member, and the original founder of OnlineOrganizing. A former Social Worker, she has always enjoyed helping people find the resources and solutions they need to improve their lives. Ramona now travels the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of simplicity with everyone she meets. She leads by example -- having worked for more than 10 years as a Professional Organizer, and having radically downsized and simplified her own life as a full-time RVer. Ramona now considers herself a "Renaissance Woman" -- bringing all of her passions together into one satisfying career. As a "Virtual Organizer", she can create a customized organizing plan for your home or office. As a "Simplicity and Accountability Coach ", Ramona provides a proven program for making every area of your life a little bit easier -- perfect for those who want to make the time and space to focus on their true priorities. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a freelance writer and blogger, she shares organizing techniques, travel tips, and social commentary with others. You can see all these sides of Ramona -- read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order -- at www.RamonaCreel.com. You can also follow her on Twitter, check out her Facebook profile, and subscribe to her blog feeds.
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