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	Charitable Donation Checklist
	By Ramona Creel

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

 

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