Page 6 - Leo Rising - June 2019
P. 6
ScAmmErS & yoUr
NoTrE DAmE DoNATIoNS
Originally published at the FTC’s Consumer Information
Blog found at: www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog
APRIL 22, 2019
BY ROSARIO MéNDEZ, ATTORNEY, DIVISION OF CONSUMER AND BUSINESS EDUCATION, FTC
Following last week’s devastating fire that destroyed • Donations to foreign organizations gen-
much of the famous and historically important Ca- erally are not tax deductible. If tax deduc-
thedral of Notre Dame in Paris, fundraising efforts tions are important to you, make sure the group
have begun. Many generous people may decide to is established in the U.S. Check the IRS’s Tax
donate money toward rebuilding efforts – and scam- Exempt Organization Search to see if your do-
mers know that. They’re ready to take donations, nation would be tax deductible. Remember that
too, so here are some things to consider before you donations to individuals, like in crowdfunding
give to an organization or a crowdfunding project: sites, are not tax deductible.
• Research the organization first. Search on- For more tips on how to donate wisely and avoid
line for the name of the organization plus the scams go to FTC.gov/Charity. Check out the article
word “complaint” or “scam.” Read what others Before Giving to a Charity for specific tips on donat-
say the about the organization. These organiza- ing through social media and how to handle calls
tions can also help your research.* from telemarketers. |
• It’s important to ask questions. If you get a
call from someone asking for money to help re- *ORGANIZATIONS THAT CAN HELP
build the Cathedral, ask them how exactly your YOU RESEARCH CHARITIES
money will be used. Do some research before These organizations offer reports and ratings about
donating to any organization you are not familiar how charitable organizations spend donations and
with. how they conduct business:
• Crowdfunding sites may not monitor how BBB Wise Giving Alliance: www.give.org
donations are spent. Research any char- Charity Navigator: www.charitynavigator.org
ity before you give. Online fundraisers should
tell you who gets your donation and how your CharityWatch: www.charitywatch.org
money gets to the charity. They should also tell GuideStar: www.guidestar.org
you if they keep any part of your donation as a The IRS’s Tax Exempt Organization Search
fee. These details should be clear and easy to https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/ tells you if your
find without hunting through fine print. If the de- donation would be tax deductible.
tails are not clear, consider taking your donation You can find your state charity regulator at
money elsewhere. nasconet.org. Most states require the charity or
its fundraiser to register to ask for donations. |
6 JUNE 2019
