Donating? Keep Records

Your contributions to qualified charities are tax deductible if you itemize your deductions — assuming you have the required records. Here are some tips.

Household Items and Clothing

These must be in “good used” condition or better unless you are claiming a deduction of over $500 and include a qualified appraisal of the item with your return. Get a receipt from the charity showing the charity’s name, the contribution date, and a description of the items you donated. If you can’t get a receipt because you left items at a charity’s unattended drop site, note the same information and keep it on file, along with the donated items’ fair market value and how you determined the value.

Money

Keep your canceled check or a bank, credit union, or credit card statement indicating the name of the charity, the date, and the amount paid. For payroll deductions, keep your pay stub, W-2 statement, or another employer-furnished document showing the total amount withheld for charity. You should also have a pledge card showing the charity’s name.

$250 or More

You’ll need an acknowledgment from the charity for each donation of $250 or more, whether the gift was money or property.