For donations dropped off at a unmanned drop box, is there a way to satisfy the IRS need for acknowlegment? What would I need for documentation since there is no one there to give us a receipt?

[tax-exhausted]

I have, from time to time, taken boxes of clothing items to a Salvation Army or Goodwill drop box.  I have also participated in the donation requests by such places as Sleep Train to get items such as new shoes and pajamas for Foster kids and have put those items in their drop box.  No one is ever around to give out a receipt.  So, what would I need to keep as documentation of the donation?

[LindaBelmont · Accepted solution]

From Pub 526

Deductions of Less Than $250

If you make any noncash contribution, you must get and keep a receipt from the charitable organization showing:

1. The name of the charitable organization,

2. The date and location of the charitable contribution, and

3. A reasonably detailed description of the property.

A letter or other written communication from the charitable organization acknowledging receipt of the contribution and containing the information in (1), (2), and (3) will serve as a receipt.

You are not required to have a receipt where it is impractical to get one (for example, if you leave property at a charity's unattended drop site).

[gremlin9999]

I gave twice at a drop box for Goodwill, It's Deductible gave me prices for each load.  One was $208 and the other was $111.  TT wants an address for Goodwill from the receipts but I don't have one.  I also donated to other charities .. so my total is over $1300.  I have receipts for most of it.  What do I put for an address for Goodwill ?? Do I put an address for Goodwill ??  I also only have my online deductions for my church.  What do I do about the rest of the monetary amounts I give for special collections, no I don't use checks; I usually give what I have in my pockets.