IRS's 2012 "Dirty Dozen" Tax Scams Includes Use of Charitable Organizations

The IRS released its “Dirty Dozen” tax scams, notifying taxpayers of schemes they should be aware of during the tax season.  One of the scams for 2012 involves "Abuse of Charitable Organizations and Deductions:" 

IRS examiners continue to uncover the intentional abuse of 501(c)(3) organizations, including arrangements that improperly shield income or assets from taxation and attempts by donors to maintain control over donated assets or the income from donated property. The IRS is investigating schemes that involve the donation of non-cash assets –– including situations in which several organizations claim the full value of the same non-cash contribution. Often these donations are highly overvalued or the organization receiving the donation promises that the donor can repurchase the items later at a price set by the donor. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 imposed increased penalties for inaccurate appraisals and set new standards for qualified appraisals.

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