The Arizona Attorney General's Office has issued tips for consumers looking to make a charitable donation this season. Some of the advice includes:
• Never give on impulse or give into high-pressure requests for contributions or donations. Always review all written information before making a donation.
• Avoid giving cash and always make your check payable to the charity, never an individual.
• Never give out personal information, such as your birth date, Social Security number or credit card number to a solicitor either by telephone, mail or at your door.
• Know the difference between "tax deductible" and "tax exempt." Tax deductible means you can deduct your donation on your federal income tax return. Tax exempt means the charity does not have to pay taxes.
For detailed tips on Arizona laws regulating donations, visit: http://www.azag.gov/consumer/charitable.html.
