As you consider making charitable contributions to assist natural disaster victims, keep in mind that you can deduct your contributions only if you make them to a qualified organization.

You can ask any organization whether it is a qualified organization, or you can investigate by calling the IRS (toll-free) at 1-877-829-5500 or by checking the online version of Publication 78, Cumulative List of Organizations described in Section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 on the IRS Web site at http://apps.irs.gov/app/pub78. Some organizations, such as churches and governments, may be qualified even though they are not listed. Learn more about the tax consequences of a disaster.