No receipts for handymen on income property - can i still deduct?

[eliotwb]

I used a few handymen for some repairs on my income property, but they don't do receipts and don't have an LLC. The checks were just made out to them personally--can i still deduct this? Some was plumbing for a few hundred dollars and another made some stairs for $3000

[AmyT]

It is always advisable to have documentation of any deduction that you claim on your income tax return, in case the IRS decides to take a closer look at it.

If you do not have your receipts, you may be able to document the purchase in another manner:

• credit card receipt or statement
• copy of the cancelled check
• if purchased online, you may be able to get a copy of the invoice from the vendor

This list is not all-inclusive - just a few ideas to get you started.

Even without a receipt (or alternative means of proving your puchase), you can still claim the expense.  Please be aware, though, that the IRS may disallow it if they request proof and you cannot provide it.