New recordkeeping requirements for cash contributions.

You cannot deduct a cash contribution, regardless of the amount, unless you keep as a record of the contribution a bank record (such as a canceled check, a bank copy of a canceled check, or a bank statement containing the name of the charity, the date, and the amount) or a written communication from the charity. The written communication must include the name of the charity, date of the contribution, and amount of the contribution. As has been required for the last few years and single cash contribution of $250 or more must be acknowledged in writing by the charity. For more information, see Publication 526, Charitable Contributions.

Rules for Clothing and Household Items

To be deductible, clothing and household items donated to charity, must be in good used condition or better. However, a taxpayer may claim a deduction of more than $500 for any single item, regardless of its condition, if the taxpayer includes a qualified appraisal of the item with the return. Household items include furniture, furnishings, electronics, appliances, and linens.

• Salvation Army Website - Donated Item Valuation Guide: If the charity has not provided you with a value, use the above website to value all non-cash donations. If you use any other method of valuation, please provide the source of the valuation.
• Internal Revenue Website - Donated Item Valuation Guide: If a charity does not provide you with a statement that they qualify as a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization, then please refer to Publication 78 at the above website for verification of the charity’s non-profit status. Contributions to churches and governmental units will not be listed in Pub. 78 but are still deductible.

Review your contributions to insure that they comply with the above regulations. Any contribution that does not meet the above requirements is NOT deductible.

I will require a detail list of your contributions. I reserve the right to disallow any contribution listed that in my sole determination does not meet the above requirements.

The above websites have been made available here for easy access.