Taxpayers should be alert to scams involving disasters, worthwhile causes

The Internal Revenue Service warns taxpayers against scam groups masquerading as charitable organizations, luring people to make donations to groups or causes that don’t actually qualify for a tax deduction.  Another long-standing type of abuse or fraud involves scams that occur in the wake of significant natural disasters.

The IRS offers these basic tips to taxpayers making charitable donations….

Publication 526 is a free booklet that describes tax rules that apply to making tax-deductible donations.