When I sheepishly told my tax preparer that I'd misplaced my receipts for the donations I made to Goodwill throughout 2008, he gave me a good-willed evil eye and then offered a great piece of advice. He said that while he's claimed thousands and thousands of dollars in donations throughout the years, and never once has anyone come knocking for proof, but that not everyone is left unbothered.
He picked up a smart tactic from his clients, and I'm going to start using it the next time I have a donation bag ready to go: Take pictures of the items you donate and then upload the photos to your computer. Should anyone come asking for evidence, you have more than a receipt to support your story. When it comes to taxes, it's always better to be safe than sorry.
Marc by Marc Jacobs
Fred Perry
Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti
That's an awesome idea! I just made a big donation, but a year from now I'll completely forget what I donated. I'd suggest also backing it up online (like photobucket?) in case your computer has a big issue.
1Great idea!
2Great idea, I've always wondered about this. I give donations all the time to Goodwill but never claim it since I don't get documentation.
3But even if you take a picture of the stuff, that's not proof that you donated it. Just proof that you once owned it and put it in a donation bag. Maybe I'll take a picture of me standing next to the Goodwill person while holding the donations.
4great idea. I'll take a pic of the boxes and bags on my porch next time. Why would I collect everything and put it on my porch if not for collection, right? I hope IRS sees it that way if ever they decide to check.
5I want to donate my car to a charity. I do want to recieve a tax deduction, but I don't want it to go to just any charity I would very much like my car to go to a needy family. I am in the Houton area. Can anybody help me or have any sugestions.
6Post New Comment
Please share your opinion with our community, but make sure it is on topic and follows our Community Rules. We moderate comments and prohibit personal attacks, threats, spam, lewd images, or the promotion of your personal website.