Edited 3/18/18
You might be able to but it is always good to have back up proof if it is ever needed. It is also a good idea to take pictures of the items donated with your phone.
Property valued at
less than $250: Taxpayers must
receive and keep a receipt from the charitable organization showing the name of
the organization, date and location of the contribution, and a reasonably
detailed description of the property. A letter or other written communication from
the organization acknowledging receipt and containing the information
previously mentioned will satisfy as a receipt.
Property valued at
$250-$499: Taxpayers must again
receive and keep an acknowledgment of the contribution from the organization.
If more than one contribution of over $250 is made, the taxpayer must have
either a separate acknowledgment for each or one acknowledgment that shows all
contributions. The acknowledgment must meet the requirements described above
for contributions of property valued at less than $250, as well as several
additional requirements. These additional requirements are that the
acknowledgment must be in writing, include a description of the property
donated, state whether the qualified organization gave any goods or services as
a result of the contribution, and include a description
and good-faith estimate of the value of any goods and services given.
This acknowledgment must be received by the taxpayer on or before the earlier
of the date the return for the year of the contribution is filed or the due
date, including extensions, for filing the return.
The taxpayer must also keep reliable written records
for each item of contributed property that include the followinginformation:
- The name and
address of the organization to which the taxpayer contributed the
property;
- The date and
location of the contribution;
- A detailed
description of the property that is reasonable under the circumstances;
- The FMV of
the property at the time of the contribution and how the taxpayer
determined the FMV (if the property was appraised, the taxpayer should
keep a copy of the signed appraisal);
- The cost or
other basis of the property, if the taxpayer must reduce its FMV by
appreciation—these records should include the amount of the reduction and
how the taxpayer calculated it;
- The amount
the taxpayer is claiming as a deduction for the tax year as a result of
the contribution; and
- The terms of
any conditions attached to the contribution of prope
