A donor may not claim a deduction for any contribution of cash, a check, or other monetary gift made on or after Jan. 1, 2007, unless the donor maintains a record of the contribution in the form of either a bank record (such as a cancelled check) or a written communication from the charity (such as a receipt or a letter) showing the name of the charity, the date of the contribution, and the amount of the contribution.
Additional information
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Publication 1771, Charitable Contributions, Substantiation and Disclosure Requirements
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Publication 526, Charitable Contributions
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Notice 2006-110: Record-keeping requirements for charitable contributions made through payroll deductions.
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Notice 2008-16: Rules for substantiating lump-sum charitable contributions made through the Combined Federal Campaign or a similar program (e.g., a United Way campaign).
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