Donald Trump may have violated IRS rules by using money from a charity fund to purchase a football helmet and jersey autographed by Tim Tebow, according to an investigation by
The Washington Post.
In 2012, Trump made the winning $12,000 bid in an auction at a Palm Beach fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen breast-cancer charity, according to the
Palm Beach Daily News.
Trump paid for the helmet and jersey with money from the Donald J. Trump Foundation nonprofit, the Post reports. The newspaper made the discovery of the payment in a report on the real estate mogul's charitable donations.
Tax law experts told the Post the IRS has rules against "self-dealing," which means nonprofits using money to benefit its officials. In 2012, Trump's foundation tax return checked a box saying it did not break the self-dealing rule.
According to tax experts, if the IRS checks, the Trump Foundation could be in violation if the helmet and jersey are still in Trump's possession. Retired General Counsel of the Council on Foundations John Edie said if Trump gave the items to another charity, he would be in the clear, but not if he gave them to "a golfing buddy."
The Post found no information on whether the presumptive GOP presidential nominee still owns the items. The same night Trump made the purchase, the Post reported, the New England Patriots defeated Tebow's Denver Broncos, and Tebow only played one more season.
Tebow is now a sports commentator and motivational speaker.
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