Want to make sure that a group asking for your charitable donation is authorized with the IRS?  Head to the IRS website, where the agency has posted the full list of charities eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.  See www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96136,00.html .  The IRS used to publish the list on paper, but to save money, it's now available only online.  The IRS also has a list or organizations (about $275,000) that have had their tax-exempt status revoked for failing to file required tax returns.  See www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=240099,00.html .

Another good source is to check out the charity with the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org .