ROB D CPA, Inc.-Financial Friday-Giving to charties

Another Friday upon us, happy Friday!


Tis the season for giving to charities.  But remember there are scams out there so protect yourself and your donations. 

Here are some basic, common-sense suggestions for avoiding rip-offs in making charitable contributions:

• Do not contribute cash. All contributions should be in the form of a check or money order made out to the charity-never to the individual soliciting the donation.
• Do not be misled by a charity that resembles or mimics the name of a well-known organization--all charities should be checked out.
• Ignore pressure to donate immediately. Wait until you are sure that the charity is legitimate and deserving of a donation.
• When appropriate, ask for written descriptions of the charity's programs and/or finances, especially if the intended contribution is substantial.
• If you have any doubt about the legitimacy of a charity, check it out with the local charity registration office (usually a division of the state attorney's general office) and with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Related Guide: Please see the Financial Guide: FRAUDULENT CHARITIES: How To Protect Yourself.

Tip: You should, of course, keep receipts, canceled checks and bank statements so you will have records of your charitable giving at tax time.

Related Guide: Please see the Financial Guide: ADVANCED CHARITY TECHNIQUES: Maximizing Your Deductions.

- See more at: http://www.robdcpa.com/taxstrategies-individuals.php?item=75&catid=27&cat=Charitable%20Contributions:%20How%20To%20Give%20Wisely#sthash.4Ng5kvQK.dpuf

Since charities ask for larger and more frequent donations from the public these days, soliciting by mail, telephone, television, and radio for example, they should be checked out before you donate money or time. Here are some tips on how to maximize your charity dollar and avoid scams.

- See more at: http://www.robdcpa.com/taxstrategies-individuals.php?item=75&catid=27&cat=Charitable%20Contributions:%20How%20To%20Give%20Wisely#sthash.4Ng5kvQK.dpuf

Here are some basic, common-sense suggestions for avoiding rip-offs in making charitable contributions:

• Do not contribute cash. All contributions should be in the form of a check or money order made out to the charity-never to the individual soliciting the donation.
• Do not be misled by a charity that resembles or mimics the name of a well-known organization--all charities should be checked out.
• Ignore pressure to donate immediately. Wait until you are sure that the charity is legitimate and deserving of a donation.
• When appropriate, ask for written descriptions of the charity's programs and/or finances, especially if the intended contribution is substantial.
• If you have any doubt about the legitimacy of a charity, check it out with the local charity registration office (usually a division of the state attorney's general office) and with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Related Guide: Please see the Financial Guide: FRAUDULENT CHARITIES: How To Protect Yourself.

Tip: You should, of course, keep receipts, canceled checks and bank statements so you will have records of your charitable giving at tax time.

Related Guide: Please see the Financial Guide: ADVANCED CHARITY TECHNIQUES: Maximizing Your Deductions.

Giving Your Time

Volunteering your time can be personally rewarding, but it is important to consider the following factors before committing yourself:

• Make sure you are familiar with the charity's activities. Ask for written information about the charity's programs and finances.
• Be aware that volunteer work may require special training and the devotion of a scheduled number of hours each week to the charity.
• If you are considering assisting with door-to-door fund-raising, be sure to find out whether the charity has financial checks and balances in place to help ensure control over collected funds.

Tip: Although the value of your time as a volunteer is not deductible, out-of-pocket expenses (including transportation costs) are generally deductible.

- See more at: http://www.robdcpa.com/taxstrategies-individuals.php?item=75&catid=27&cat=Charitable%20Contributions:%20How%20To%20Give%20Wisely#sthash.4Ng5kvQK.dpuf

Since charities ask for larger and more frequent donations from the public these days, soliciting by mail, telephone, television, and radio for example, they should be checked out before you donate money or time. Here are some tips on how to maximize your charity dollar and avoid scams.

- See more at: http://www.robdcpa.com/taxstrategies-individuals.php?item=75&catid=27&cat=Charitable%20Contributions:%20How%20To%20Give%20Wisely#sthash.4Ng5kvQK.dpuf

Here are some basic, common-sense suggestions for avoiding rip-offs in making charitable contributions:

• Do not contribute cash. All contributions should be in the form of a check or money order made out to the charity-never to the individual soliciting the donation.
• Do not be misled by a charity that resembles or mimics the name of a well-known organization--all charities should be checked out.
• Ignore pressure to donate immediately. Wait until you are sure that the charity is legitimate and deserving of a donation.
• When appropriate, ask for written descriptions of the charity's programs and/or finances, especially if the intended contribution is substantial.
• If you have any doubt about the legitimacy of a charity, check it out with the local charity registration office (usually a division of the state attorney's general office) and with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Related Guide: Please see the Financial Guide: FRAUDULENT CHARITIES: How To Protect Yourself.

Tip: You should, of course, keep receipts, canceled checks and bank statements so you will have records of your charitable giving at tax time.

Related Guide: Please see the Financial Guide: ADVANCED CHARITY TECHNIQUES: Maximizing Your Deductions.

- See more at: http://www.robdcpa.com/taxstrategies-individuals.php?item=75&catid=27&cat=Charitable%20Contributions:%20How%20To%20Give%20Wisely#sthash.4Ng5kvQK.dpuf

 Here are some basic tips  for avoiding scams;

Do not contribute cash. All contributions should be in the form of a check or money order made out to the charity-never to the individual soliciting the donation. - See more at: http://www.robdcpa.com/taxstrategies-individuals.php?item=75&catid=27&cat=Charitable%20Contributions:%20How%20To%20Give%20Wisely#sthash.4Ng5kvQK.dpuf

• Do not contribute cash. All contributions should be in the form of a check or money order made out to the charity-never to the individual soliciting the donation.
• Do not be misled by a charity that resembles or mimics the name of a well-known organization--all charities should be checked out.
• Ignore pressure to donate immediately. Wait until you are sure that the charity is legitimate and deserving of a donation.
• When appropriate, ask for written descriptions of the charity's programs and/or finances, especially if the intended contribution is substantial.
• If you have any doubt about the legitimacy of a charity, check it out with the local charity registration office (usually a division of the state attorney's general office) and with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Related Guide: Please see the Financial Guide: FRAUDULENT CHARITIES: How To Protect Yourself.

Tip: You should, of course, keep receipts, canceled checks and bank statements so you will have records of your charitable giving at tax time.

Related Guide: Please see the Financial Guide: ADVANCED CHARITY TECHNIQUES: Maximizing Your Deductions.

- See more at: http://www.robdcpa.com/taxstrategies-individuals.php?item=75&catid=27&cat=Charitable%20Contributions:%20How%20To%20Give%20Wisely#sthash.4Ng5kvQK.dpuf

1) Do not contribute cash. All contributions should be in the form of a check or money order made out to the charity-never to the individual soliciting the donation.

2) Do not be misled by a charity that resembles or mimics the name of a well-known organization--all charities should be checked out. Ignore pressure to donate immediately.

3)Wait until you are sure that the charity is legitimate and deserving of a donation. When appropriate, ask for written descriptions of the charity's programs and/or finances, especially if the intended contribution is substantial. If you have any doubt about the legitimacy of a charity, check it out with the local charity registration office (usually a division of the state attorney's general office) and with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

 Related Guide: Please see the Financial Guide: FRAUDULENT CHARITIES: How To Protect Yourself. Tip: You should, of course, keep receipts, canceled checks and bank statements so you will have records of your charitable giving at tax time.

Related Guide: Please see the Financial Guide: ADVANCED CHARITY TECHNIQUES: Maximizing Your Deductions.

• Do not contribute cash. All contributions should be in the form of a check or money order made out to the charity-never to the individual soliciting the donation.
• Do not be misled by a charity that resembles or mimics the name of a well-known organization--all charities should be checked out.
• Ignore pressure to donate immediately. Wait until you are sure that the charity is legitimate and deserving of a donation.
• When appropriate, ask for written descriptions of the charity's programs and/or finances, especially if the intended contribution is substantial.
• If you have any doubt about the legitimacy of a charity, check it out with the local charity registration office (usually a division of the state attorney's general office) and with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Related Guide: Please see the Financial Guide: FRAUDULENT CHARITIES: How To Protect Yourself.

Tip: You should, of course, keep receipts, canceled checks and bank statements so you will have records of your charitable giving at tax time.

Related Guide: Please see the Financial Guide: ADVANCED CHARITY TECHNIQUES: Maximizing Your Deductions.

- See more at: http://www.robdcpa.com/taxstrategies-individuals.php?item=75&catid=27&cat=Charitable%20Contributions:%20How%20To%20Give%20Wisely#sthash.4Ng5kvQK.dpuf

Here are some basic, common-sense suggestions for avoiding rip-offs in making charitable contributions:

• Do not contribute cash. All contributions should be in the form of a check or money order made out to the charity-never to the individual soliciting the donation.
• Do not be misled by a charity that resembles or mimics the name of a well-known organization--all charities should be checked out.
• Ignore pressure to donate immediately. Wait until you are sure that the charity is legitimate and deserving of a donation.
• When appropriate, ask for written descriptions of the charity's programs and/or finances, especially if the intended contribution is substantial.
• If you have any doubt about the legitimacy of a charity, check it out with the local charity registration office (usually a division of the state attorney's general office) and with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Related Guide: Please see the Financial Guide: FRAUDULENT CHARITIES: How To Protect Yourself.

Tip: You should, of course, keep receipts, canceled checks and bank statements so you will have records of your charitable giving at tax time.

Related Guide: Please see the Financial Guide: ADVANCED CHARITY TECHNIQUES: Maximizing Your Deductions.

- See more at: http://www.robdcpa.com/taxstrategies-individuals.php?item=75&catid=27&cat=Charitable%20Contributions:%20How%20To%20Give%20Wisely#sthash.4Ng5kvQK.dpuf

Here are some basic, common-sense suggestions for avoiding rip-offs in making charitable contributions:

• Do not contribute cash. All contributions should be in the form of a check or money order made out to the charity-never to the individual soliciting the donation.
• Do not be misled by a charity that resembles or mimics the name of a well-known organization--all charities should be checked out.
• Ignore pressure to donate immediately. Wait until you are sure that the charity is legitimate and deserving of a donation.
• When appropriate, ask for written descriptions of the charity's programs and/or finances, especially if the intended contribution is substantial.
• If you have any doubt about the legitimacy of a charity, check it out with the local charity registration office (usually a division of the state attorney's general office) and with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Related Guide: Please see the Financial Guide: FRAUDULENT CHARITIES: How To Protect Yourself.

Tip: You should, of course, keep receipts, canceled checks and bank statements so you will have records of your charitable giving at tax time.

Related Guide: Please see the Financial Guide: ADVANCED CHARITY TECHNIQUES: Maximizing Your Deductions.

Giving Your Time

Volunteering your time can be personally rewarding, but it is important to consider the following factors before committing yourself:

• Make sure you are familiar with the charity's activities. Ask for written information about the charity's programs and finances.
• Be aware that volunteer work may require special training and the devotion of a scheduled number of hours each week to the charity.
• If you are considering assisting with door-to-door fund-raising, be sure to find out whether the charity has financial checks and balances in place to help ensure control over collected funds.

Tip: Although the value of your time as a volunteer is not deductible, out-of-pocket expenses (including transportation costs) are generally deductible.

- See more at: http://www.robdcpa.com/taxstrategies-individuals.php?item=75&catid=27&cat=Charitable%20Contributions:%20How%20To%20Give%20Wisely#sthash.4Ng5kvQK.dpuf

 If you are interested in learning more about protecting charitable donations visit our website http://www.robdcpa.com/taxstrategies-individuals.php?item=75&catid=27&cat=Charitable%20Contributions:%20How%20To%20Give%20Wisely

Here are some basic, common-sense suggestions for avoiding rip-offs in making charitable contributions:

• Do not contribute cash. All contributions should be in the form of a check or money order made out to the charity-never to the individual soliciting the donation.
• Do not be misled by a charity that resembles or mimics the name of a well-known organization--all charities should be checked out.
• Ignore pressure to donate immediately. Wait until you are sure that the charity is legitimate and deserving of a donation.
• When appropriate, ask for written descriptions of the charity's programs and/or finances, especially if the intended contribution is substantial.
• If you have any doubt about the legitimacy of a charity, check it out with the local charity registration office (usually a division of the state attorney's general office) and with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Related Guide: Please see the Financial Guide: FRAUDULENT CHARITIES: How To Protect Yourself.

Tip: You should, of course, keep receipts, canceled checks and bank statements so you will have records of your charitable giving at tax time.

Related Guide: Please see the Financial Guide: ADVANCED CHARITY TECHNIQUES: Maximizing Your Deductions.

- See more at: http://www.robdcpa.com/taxstrategies-individuals.php?item=75&catid=27&cat=Charitable%20Contributions:%20How%20To%20Give%20Wisely#sthash.4Ng5kvQK.dpuf

Here are some basic, common-sense suggestions for avoiding rip-offs in making charitable contributions:

• Do not contribute cash. All contributions should be in the form of a check or money order made out to the charity-never to the individual soliciting the donation.
• Do not be misled by a charity that resembles or mimics the name of a well-known organization--all charities should be checked out.
• Ignore pressure to donate immediately. Wait until you are sure that the charity is legitimate and deserving of a donation.
• When appropriate, ask for written descriptions of the charity's programs and/or finances, especially if the intended contribution is substantial.
• If you have any doubt about the legitimacy of a charity, check it out with the local charity registration office (usually a division of the state attorney's general office) and with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Related Guide: Please see the Financial Guide: FRAUDULENT CHARITIES: How To Protect Yourself.

Tip: You should, of course, keep receipts, canceled checks and bank statements so you will have records of your charitable giving at tax time.

Related Guide: Please see the Financial Guide: ADVANCED CHARITY TECHNIQUES: Maximizing Your Deductions.

- See more at: http://www.robdcpa.com/taxstrategies-individuals.php?item=75&catid=27&cat=Charitable%20Contributions:%20How%20To%20Give%20Wisely#sthash.4Ng5kvQK.dpuf

Here are some basic, common-sense suggestions for avoiding rip-offs in making charitable contributions:

• Do not contribute cash. All contributions should be in the form of a check or money order made out to the charity-never to the individual soliciting the donation.
• Do not be misled by a charity that resembles or mimics the name of a well-known organization--all charities should be checked out.
• Ignore pressure to donate immediately. Wait until you are sure that the charity is legitimate and deserving of a donation.
• When appropriate, ask for written descriptions of the charity's programs and/or finances, especially if the intended contribution is substantial.
• If you have any doubt about the legitimacy of a charity, check it out with the local charity registration office (usually a division of the state attorney's general office) and with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Related Guide: Please see the Financial Guide: FRAUDULENT CHARITIES: How To Protect Yourself.

Tip: You should, of course, keep receipts, canceled checks and bank statements so you will have records of your charitable giving at tax time.

Related Guide: Please see the Financial Guide: ADVANCED CHARITY TECHNIQUES: Maximizing Your Deductions.

Giving Your Time

Volunteering your time can be personally rewarding, but it is important to consider the following factors before committing yourself:

• Make sure you are familiar with the charity's activities. Ask for written information about the charity's programs and finances.
• Be aware that volunteer work may require special training and the devotion of a scheduled number of hours each week to the charity.
• If you are considering assisting with door-to-door fund-raising, be sure to find out whether the charity has financial checks and balances in place to help ensure control over collected funds.

Tip: Although the value of your time as a volunteer is not deductible, out-of-pocket expenses (including transportation costs) are generally deductible.

- See more at: http://www.robdcpa.com/taxstrategies-individuals.php?item=75&catid=27&cat=Charitable%20Contributions:%20How%20To%20Give%20Wisely#sthash.4Ng5kvQK.dpuf

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