It is best to have all
charitable contributions in receipt form to back up the donation of $250 or
more. The tax law says no write-off is allowed should you not have a receipt or
letter from the organization. Cash donations of less than $250 made in 2016 are
not allowed unless you retain either a bank record that proves the donation.
Like for example, a canceled check, bank statement, or debit/credit card
statement. Taking it one step-up is to have a written acknowledgment from the
organization on their letterhead. Small undocumented cash contributions, such
as money placed on church collection plates and cash dropped in red buckets (Salvation
Army) at Christmas time won't qualify for write-offs. Get a receipt or have a
canceled check from the charity to lock in your rightful tax break.
As for noncash charitable donations of used
clothes and household items, you get no deduction unless the stuff is in “good”
condition. “Household items” include furniture and furnishings, electronics,
appliances, linens, and the like. In other words, you get no charitable
write-off for donated junk. See IRS Form 8283 at www.irs.gov for more details
on the rules for noncash donations.
Talk with your Tax preparer: Ken A Anaya about this deduction.
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