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Year-end is a time when taxpayers consider charitable contributions, while many non-profit organizations are making last-minute appeals. But Tyree Collier of the Dallas office of Thompson & Knight recommends caution. "Before giving to any charity you haven't previously been involved with, even if it sounds legitimate, get the full legal name and verify the tax-exempt status. Many organizations have similar-sounding names, and unethical groups may purposely solicit using those familiar-sounding names." He notes that a number of popular websites offer guidance on a charity's effectiveness and status, and that the IRS website provides a function for researching charitable organizations. "It's best to make contributions with a check or credit card to help assure that the funds are used as intended, and donors should be sure to get a receipt or acknowledgement from the charity with the date and amount of the contribution." For more information, contact Barry Pound at 800-559-4534 or barry@androvett.com.