How to Get a Charity Receipt

You'll need a charity receipt if IRS requests proof of a charitable deduction. Follow these steps to get a receipt that will pass muster.

Instructions

1. Make a contribution to an organization that is qualified. Only those donations will be recognized as tax deductible. There is a list available of recognized organizations on the IRS's website under Publication 78. Most religious groups and agencies of the government can donations, even though they are not listed on the website.

2. Understand that you can only use a contribution as a deduction in the year that it was made.

3. Filing the charitable deduction can only be accomplished if itemizing deductions on Schedule A. Savings will only apply if the itemized deductions are more than the standard deduction the IRS gives you.

4. Obtain a bank record, which can be a copy of a canceled check or your bank statement. The IRS will also consider credit card statements as legitimate proof. When you make the contribution, record the purpose on the check.

5. Highlight or underline on your bank or credit card statement the line in which the charitable organization appears. It should list the name of the charity and the amount given. All of these are good sources of charity receipts.

6. Request a receipt from the organization at the time of the transaction. If you are unable to use a check or credit card to make a donation, this is especially important.