How to Get a Receipt for a Tax Write-Off

Donations made to charitable organizations can be used as tax write-offs. Although most people give to charities out of the goodness of their hearts, the U.S. government also offers the incentive of tax deductions to encourage people to donate. To be eligible for the tax deduction, you must get a receipt from the organization for the amount of money given or the value of in-kind donations.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cash donations
• In-kind donations (non-cash items such as clothing, toys, or food)

1. Make sure the organization you want to donate to is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Not all charities have official non-profit status, so ask to see proof of this. If the charity does not have 501(c)(3) status, your donation is not eligible for a tax deduction even if you get a receipt.

2. Donate the items or money directly to the organization or to a donation drop-off center.

3. Ask for your receipt. A reputable charity will be prepared to give you a receipt written on its letterhead for the amount of your donation.

4. Check the receipt to ensure that it shows the correct amount of the donation and the date. If you have made an in-kind donation (such as clothing, food or furniture), the amount of the donation is usually 25 percent of the original price.

5. Ask the charity representative to itemize in-kind donations on the receipt. The IRS requires each item and its price to be listed to qualify for a tax deduction.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure all in-kind donations are usable items. If something is worn out or broken and can't be used, it is not eligible for a tax write-off.

References

• Receipts for tax deductions
• Deductions for non-cash donations

Resources

• Tax deductions for in-kind donations