Secretary Handel gives advice on donating to charities

Secretary of State Karen Handel recently gave advice to individuals planning to give to charities during the holiday season. Secretary Handel serves as Georgia's chief charities regulator.

"The holiday season calls us all to give to those in need," Handel said. "However, not all charities are true champions of their causes. I encourage all Georgians to research the charities before giving, and make sure your donations directly benefit the charity's cause."

Secretary Handel issued the following tips for charitable giving. It is important to investigate charities before you contribute. The percentage of your contribution that a charity spends on fundraising activities, employee salaries, other expenses and the charity's stated mission varies greatly by organization.

A number of online resources can help you research charities. The Better Business Bureau (give.org) and GuideStar (guidestar.org) provide detailed information about nonprofit organizations. Also, take time to review the organization's own website.

In addition, many charities must register with the Georgia Secretary of State's office. You can research charities at the Secretary of State's website (sos.state.gov/securities).

Be wary of telephone solicitors asking for contributions. If you are solicited by phone, ask that the individual put their request in writing and provide complete information about the charitable program. Also, ask if the person conducting the solicitation is a volunteer or a paid solicitor.

Never give your credit or debit card information to a telephone solicitor.

If a tax deduction is important to you, make sure the organization has a tax-deductible status with the IRS. The IRS website (irs.gov/charities) has a searchable database of organizations eligible to receive taxdeductible charitable contributions. Make sure you get a receipt, which shows the amount of your contribution and states that the contribution is tax deductible.

Many charitable solicitors ask for contributions of clothing, other household items and vehicles. IRS rules concerning valuations and receipts have changed significantly; be sure you understand them completely (irs.gov/charities/contributors.)

Not all organizations with charitable sounding names are actually charities. Many organizations adopt names confusingly similar to well-known charities. Be sure you know ex- who is asking for your contribution.

Watch out for organizations that use questionable techniques such as sending unordered merchandise or invoices after you have turned them down for a donation. You are under no obligation to pay for or return items received under these circumstances. Be particularly cautious of couriers willing to rush out to your home or office to pick up your contribution.

Anyone with more questions can call the Georgia Secretary of State's Securities and Business Regulation Division, which oversees charities, at (404) 656- 3920.