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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.

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.

"Ramona Creel is a modern Renaissance woman and guru of simplicity -- traveling the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of radically downsizing, and inspiring others to regain control of their own lives. As a Professional Organizer and Accountability Coach, Ramona will help you create the time and space to focus on your true priorities -- clearing away the clutter other obstacles and standing in the way of that life you've always wanted to be living. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a travel writer, social commentator, and blogger, she shares her experiences and insights about the world as we know it. 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. And be sure to follow her on Twitter and on Facebook."

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