If you don't have receipts, keep as much alternative documentation as possible to support your tax deductions. Some examples include: Canceled checks or bank statements. Credit card statements.
Technically, if you do not have these records, the IRS can disallow your deduction. Practically, IRS auditors may allow some reconstruction of these expenses if it seems reasonable.
Whether for charitable reasons or tax avoidance reasons, taxpayers frequently utilize the charitable contributions deduction when itemizing their returns to reduce their tax liability. However, this deduction is subject to IRS policies and may be subject to audit.
Legal requirements: The IRS requires donation receipts in certain situations. Failure to send a receipt can result in a penalty of $10 per contribution, up to $5,000 for each specific campaign.
However, you should be able to provide a bank record (bank statement, credit card statement, canceled check or a payroll deduction record) to claim the tax deduction. Written records, like check registers or personal notations, from the donor aren't enough proof. The records should show the: Organization's name.
Whether you lost your receipts, they were damaged, or you simply don't have them, there are several documents you could use as evidence to answer an IRS audit when you have no receipts: Calendar logs of meetings/travel/daily tasks. Canceled checks. Credit/debit card statements.
There are several details that the IRS requires you to include: The name of your donor. The full legal name of your organization. A declaration of your organization's tax-exempt status. Your organization's employer identification number. The date the gift was received. A description of the gift and the amount received.