Cash or Check Donations of $250 or More

In order to deduct a donation of $250 or more, you have to get a written acknowledgement from the charity. This can be an email, and it does not have to be attached to the tax return. Charities are required to give you a written acknowledgement for any donations of $250 or more given at one time. A cancelled check is not good enough for the IRS. Protect yourself by getting those acknowledgements.