<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/contributors/written-record-of-charitable-contribution">https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/contributors/written-record-of-charitable-contribution</a> CONGRESS, NOT the IRS, changed the charity receipts law YEARS ago. You're not allowed to claim Any cash deductions without a "receipt" or PROOF. That includes giving cash to the Salvation Army pots. A 'receipt' IS a written record of some sort NOT some 'direct' receipt. If you gave cash, then go to the church and ask for a letter. Otherwise, give a check or credit card for donations. If ANYONE who goes to church says they've been doing it for years and that they ARE a church goer, THAT person is lying not only to himself but to GOD and is a Hypocrite. An HONEST church goer would put his/her money where their mouth is and just tell everyone, including the IRS, that s/he claimed charity contributions with NO receipts. Also, if the person says his friends laughs at him, because he tells them about the situation, then it tells you more about the BAD integrity of those so-called friends and about him who listened to them. NO tax professional should ever take ANY verbal abuse from such people or have them as a client. ... View more

Where is the 'source' of the info re: special tax treatments? Couldn't locate at <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.irs.gov">www.irs.gov</a> Thanks! ... View more

Great comments! Easier said than done in Reality! Though it's the members/partners/shareholders of the pass-through entities RESPONSIBILITY to track their basis, it typically falls to their accountant/tax professional, who reluctantly has No other choice but to do it for them, WITHIN REASON. Don't forget that the tax prof will Bill you for the taxpayer's Irresponsibility of Not tracking the basis! Imagine if that basis tracking project goes back several years? Heaven help the tax professional! ... View more