Here are the rules for deducting charitable contributions and the supporting documents needed. Any contribution of $250.00 or more must be substantiated by a contemporaneous written receipt by the donee organization.  This receipt must state whether or not the donee provided any goods or services in consideration of the donation.  If you donate goods or services, the organization must provide you a written statement of the goods or services donated along with their estimated good faith value. This must be done no matter how large or small the donation is. Also, the donee must be a valid §501(c)(3) charitable organization.