General Counsel Manual
Divisions
- Don’t assume when you hear the words “police” or “fire fighter” in an organization’s name that your gift is going to your local police or fire department.
- Ask if your donation is tax-deductible. Exercise your legal right to ask for something in writing that states the % of the contribution that you can deduct as a charitable contribution under federal income tax laws. Request the Tax ID # of the organization.
- Never give because you feel pressured, guilty, or scared.
- Be cautious about giving out personal information.
- Be wary if a solicitor suggests you will receive special treatment in return for your donation.
- Telephone solicitors should also be registered in North Carolina.
- Contact the CSL Division if you see a collection receptacle in public view for the purpose of collecting donated clothing, household items, and other items for resale AND you do not see a prominently displayed permanent sign indicating either:
- The name of the charitable organization or sponsor for whom the solicitation is made and the phone number or electronic mail address of a contact at the charitable organization or sponsor, OR
- The phone number or electronic mail address of a contact for the person and this statement: "This is not a charity. Donations made here support a for-profit business and are not tax deductible."
Tools for Evaluating Charities:
There are a number of organizations that are trying to help people evaluate whether charities are legitimate and how charities spend and raise money. We have been told that some people use sites other than ours to help look at charities. Here are some links that may have useful information on charities:
eNotary and eCommerce
Find an eNotary
Practice Tip: A Notary Public who has not been commissioned as an eNotary cannot do an eNotarization for you.
Practice Tip: Search for a notary in your area using our “Find a Notary” online service: Find a Notary