Recordkeeping Requirements For Charitable Contributions
Tax filers who itemize deductions on their income tax return are entitled to deduct qualified charitable contributions. For most contributions, a written record must be generated at the time of the donation in order to claim a charitable deduction.
A cash donation is not deductible unless it is substantiated by a written record produced by the donee organization. A payment by check is the equivalent of cash, but it generates an acceptable written record for donations under $250.