How much can someone donate and deduct from their taxes before they need receipts? If that amount is reached and exceded, does that mean you need to provide receipts for the entire amount?

if I am not mistaken the total amount should not exceed 500$. ( i am kinda blank here)

but I am quite sure you need to provide receipts that will total the above number if your claim exceed the number above- (need double check that $500).

I thought it was $250, and I think that if you take the standard deduction, it doesn't help you anyway to list deductions out? someone on the board is an accountant

Paging geekgirldany to thread #10643...

:D

I thought it was $250, and I think that if you take the standard deduction, it doesn't help you anyway to list deductions out? someone on the board is an accountant

huh? I am a homeowner so this will be my first year itemizing deductions. Charitable donations can now help my taxes. I've made a few donations this year and have receipts for only one item. I plan on making more before the end of the year and will make sure to get receipts.

huh? I am a homeowner so this will be my first year itemizing deductions. Charitable donations can now help my taxes. I've made a few donations this year and have receipts for only one item. I plan on making more before the end of the year and will make sure to get receipts.


That's why I am not quite sure.. but I might make it to $500 because I have always file tax with my spouse.. it may be only $250 for a single filer.
yup standard deduction give $2000 while itemized deduction should be used if the total is > $2000 which should come mostly (and easily) from your mortgage interest.

horse's mouth (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p526.pdf)

horse's mouth (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p526.pdf)

lol. gracias.

horse's mouth (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p526.pdf)

clear as mud....

My donation receipt from Northwest Harvest (WA food bank supplier) says to keep the receipt if my donation "equals $250 or more."

Under $250 I assume for cash/CC donations your checkbook, bank or CC statement are good enough.

Be careful donating clothes and other goods and claiming retail value instead of garage sale value, the IRS expects you to try that scam.

My donation receipt from Northwest Harvest (WA food bank supplier) says to keep the receipt if my donation "equals $250 or more."

Under $250 I assume for cash/CC donations your checkbook, bank or CC statement are good enough.

Be careful donating clothes and other goods and claiming retail value instead of garage sale value, the IRS expects you to try that scam.

Is that $250 per donation or per tax year? eg, Can I donate 4 times $250 each time without a receipt or does anything over $250 in a tax year have to have a receipt?

If I donated $500, would I have to provide receipts of the first $250?

I assume it is per donation, and each one of $250 or more you need a receipt for the full amount of that specific donation, from the charity.

For donating goods, you probably should get a receipt from the charity if you can even for under $250.

For goods it might be worth taking a quick look at a tax book at the bookstore, to see what they recommend (post it here for us :) ). I still rent so I haven't had to deal with it yet.