Feeling Charitable? Be Sure You Can Substantiate Your Gifts

As the end of the year approaches, many people give more thought to supporting charities they favor. To avoid losing valuable charitable deductions if you itemize, you’ll need specific documentation, depending on the type and size of your gift. Here’s a breakdown of the rules:

Cash gifts under $250. A canceled check, bank statement or credit card statement will do. Or ask the charity for a receipt or “other reliable written record” that provides the organization’s name, the date and the amount of the gift.

Cash gifts of $250 or more. You’ll need a contemporaneous written acknowledgment from the charity stating the amount of the gift. That means you received the acknowledgment before the earlier of your tax return due date (including extensions) or the date you file your return. If you make multiple separate gifts to the same charity of less than $250 each (monthly contributions, for example) that total $250 or more for the year, you can still follow the substantiation rules for cash gifts under $250.

Non-cash gifts under $250. Get a receipt showing the charity’s name, the date and location of the donation, and a description of the property.

Non-cash gifts of $250 or more. Obtain a contemporaneous written acknowledgment from the charity that contains the information required for cash gifts, plus a description of the property.

Non-cash gifts of more than $500. In addition to the above, keep records showing the date you acquired the property, how you acquired it and your adjusted basis in it. Also, file Form 8283.

Non-cash gifts of more than $5,000 ($10,000 for closely held stock). In addition to the above, obtain a qualified appraisal and include an appraisal summary, signed by the appraiser and the charity, with your return. (No appraisal is required for publicly traded securities.)

Non-cash gifts of more than $500,000 ($20,000 for art). In addition to the above, include a copy of the signed appraisal, not just a summary, with your return.

Finally, if you received anything in exchange for your donation, such as a book for making an online donation or food and drink at a fundraising event, ask the charity for the fair market value of the item(s). You’ll need to subtract it from your charitable deduction.

Saving taxes isn’t the primary motivator for charitable donations, but it may affect the amount you can afford to give. Substantiate your donations to ensure you receive the deductions you deserve.