What must be provided for charitable donations of $250 or more?

For charitable donations of $250 or more, the law requires a written acknowledgment or substantiation from the organization receiving the donation. This requirement ensures that the taxpayer has valid proof of the contribution for tax purposes, which is necessary to claim a deduction for the donation on their tax return.

The written acknowledgment typically includes information such as the amount of the donation, whether any goods or services were provided in exchange for the contribution, and the name of the charitable organization. This documentation protects both the taxpayer and the IRS, as it provides clarity and transparency regarding the deduction being claimed.

While a receipt from the donation organization can serve as evidence of a donation, it is not sufficient on its own unless it meets the specifics of the written substantiation required by tax law. Other options such as bank statements can support the evidence of payment but do not serve as the formal acknowledgment necessary to claim charitable deductions under the $250 threshold.