Prepare to Prove Your Generosity
Any amount you claim as a charitable deduction on your 2008 tax return needs a paper trail.

You may have had the best intentions when you made a charitable donation in 2008, but don't expect the IRS to take your word for it. Be prepared to substantiate any amount you claim as a charitable deduction on your 2008 tax return.
First, you must itemize your deductions in order to write off a charitable donation. Then, you must have a receipt for every contribution you claim. It used to be that you only needed a receipt for donations of $250 or more. No more. Now it's no receipt, no deduction -- regardless of the amount. You need a canceled check or other bank record or a written acknowledgment from the charity noting the date and amount of your contribution. Payroll receipts or pledge cards for donations made through payroll deduction are also acceptable proof.
Gone, too, are the days when you could donate your old car to a local charity and claim a deduction for the fair market value. "There was a strong suspicion that people were greatly inflating the value of cars they donated to charity, claiming the top Blue Book price for clunkers that had to be towed away," says Mark Luscombe, principal federal tax analyst for CCH, a tax and accounting information service.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Since 2005, taxpayers who give a car valued at more than $500 to a charity have to meet stringent substantiation requirements. You must obtain a form from the charity that identifies you as the donor and listing your Social Security number and the vehicle identification number. If the charity sells the vehicle without using it or fixing it us -- which is the most common case -- you can only deduct the amount the charity received from the sale. Attach the statement that certifies the sales price to your tax return.
You cans still claim a deduction for donating used clothing or household goods that are in "good condition or better". You should value your donations as they would be priced in a thrift store. Or, you can use a computer program such as "It's Deductible" that is included in TurboTax tax preparation software (which comes with advice from Kiplinger's). It estimates the value for of each donated item and figures the total deduction.
Although you can't deduct the time you devote to a charity, you can deduct the expenses you incurred while contributing your service to a qualified organization, such as driving your car to deliver meals to the home bound. For 2008, you can claim 14 cents per mile for auto expenses related to charitable works.
Sign Up: Get Tax Tips E-mailed to You
Find more deductions with our Taxopedia. Plus see our Tax Center for all the tax information you need.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

-
Amazon Ends Free Shipping Benefit Sharing with Non-Household Members
Starting October 1, Prime members will no longer be able to share shipping perks with those outside their household.
-
Big Tech Names Rise Above Broad Weakness: Stock Market Today
Some familiar names enjoyed solid rallies on the resolution of outstanding questions, but macro uncertainty hangs over the broader market.
-
Over Age 65? New $6,000 'Senior Bonus' Deduction Is Available Even If You Itemize
Tax Changes If you’re an older adult, a new bonus tax deduction could provide a valuable tax benefit. Here's how it works.
-
Stay NJ Could Give You $6,500: The Deadline You Can't Miss
Property Taxes New Jersey has a new property tax relief program for 2025. The application deadline is approaching fast.
-
The Fall Garden Tax? What to Plant and How to Prepare
Tax Tips Fall gardening could increase your taxes this season. Here’s what to know while planting in 2025.
-
Texas Sales Tax-Free Weekend 2025
Tax Holiday Here's what you needed to know about the Texas sales tax holiday.
-
Retirees Should Watch These Four Key Tax Changes in 2025
Tax Changes This year brings key tax changes that could affect your retirement taxes and income.
-
The Most Tax-Friendly State for Retirement in 2025: Here It Is
Retirement Tax How do you retire ‘tax-free’? This state doesn’t tax retirement income, has a low median property tax bill, and even offers savings on gas. Are you ready for a move?
-
Five Ways Trump’s 2025 Tax Bill Could Boost Your Tax Refund (or Shrink It)
Tax Refunds The tax code is changing again, and if you’re filing for 2025, Trump’s ‘big beautiful’ bill could mean a bigger refund, a smaller one or something in between next year. Here are five ways the new law could impact your bottom line.
-
New SALT Deduction Could Put Thousands Back in California Homeowners’ Pockets
Tax Breaks The federal state and local sales tax (SALT) deduction cap is higher this year, and could translate into bigger savings for Golden State homeowners.