IRS Advice on Donating to Hurricane Sandy Relief

Hurricane Sandy may prompt many taxpayers to open their hearts and wallets to help with relief efforts.

Before donating to any charity, you may want to do some research to ensure an organization is legitimate. Unfortunately, scam artists may see this natural disaster as an opportunity to prey upon unsuspecting, generous people.

If your goal is a legitimate tax deduction, then you must be giving to a qualified organization. Also, you cannot deduct contributions made to specific individuals, political organizations or candidates.

The IRS has a tool that can be used to research the tax-exempt status of an organization known as the Exempt Organization Select Check.

Also, you may want to read this tax tip, which includes numerous resources you may find of interest.