Nov. 15 is National Philanthropy Day. Can you get in legal trouble giving money to charity? You could.
HG Legal Resources says, “When a person gives to a charity, he or she should consider certain factors and issues that could become legal concerns such as engaging in charities that are scams or those that involve illegal activity either to acquire money or to disperse it.”
Charitable giving they say you should watch out for includes:
- involvement in gambling
- involvement in a scam
- invalid lotteries and raffles
- Bingo charities
- auctions
- certain fundraising
HG advises donors seek legal support. “The person giving donations to a charity may need to consult with a tax lawyer to ensure he or she is able to count the event validly on tax documentation. Avoiding violations to these processes is essential for anyone involved in charitable donations over a certain threshold based on state and federal laws for the year.”
