Multiple donations with standard deduction

[scotta9]

Hello, Do I need to enter multiple donations if I always end up with standard deduction? I end up spending a lot of time entering the deductions to multiple charities and then just end up with the standard deduction being the better option anyway and do not need to itemize. Could I just note that I have "Multiple Donations" and just note the total amount instead of the individual charities? It is much more efficient to track these in a separate spreadsheet. Would this increase my audit risk in any way? Thank you.

[MaryK4 · Accepted solution]

If you know that you use the standard deduction, you do not have to enter the charitable donations at all.  For cash donations, you could enter the totals as long as you keep good records.  For some noncash contributions, you may have to enter the information for Form 8283 (if the amount of your deduction for each noncash contribution is more than $500. You must also file Form 8283 if you have a group of similar items for which a total deduction of over $500 is claimed.)  As long as you keep accurate records, there is no increased risk for audit.  You may also want to check out ItsDeductible: Tax Deductions.