There is still time to give to charity and claim a tax deduction for 2009. Cash donations by check are deductible this year if mailed before the end of the year. Donations charged to a credit card before January 1st are also deductible this year, even though you pay the credit card bill in 2010.

When making charitable donations, keep these tips in mind:

• Check that the organization is a qualified charity. Only donations to qualified organizations are deductible.
• For all donations of property, including clothing and household items, obtain a receipt from the charity that includes the name of the organization, the date of the contribution and a reasonably detailed description of the donated property.
• If the amount of your deduction for all non-cash donations is over $500, a completed Form 8283 must be submitted with your 2009 tax return.
• Property valued at more than $5,000 requires a written appraisal confirming its fair market value.
• A new provision in tax laws allows taxpayers over age 70-and-a-half to transfer tax-free up to $100,000 per year to an eligible charity from his or her individual IRA.
• Gifts of Securities: Taxpayers who wish to make gifts to charities may consider selling loser stocks, giving away the resulting cash and then claiming the capital loss and the charitable deduction on their returns. Alternatively, taxpayers may consider giving away appreciated stock, avoiding the tax on capital gains while deducting the fair market value of the stock contributed.

The Tip Time is short, so round up your charitable donations and make them before the ball drops on January 1st.