What proof is needed to support charitable deductions?

Here are the rules: (1) You must have a written statement from the charity for a gift over $250 or at least a bank or credit card statement for any monetary donation; (2) gifts are deductible in the year made, including those made by credit card at year end; (3) only gifts made to an eligible charity are deductible (usually §501 charities – the IRS has a list on its web site); (4) one must itemize deductions to claim the deduction; (5) for non-cash contributions, a Form 8283 must be filed with the return; (6) deductions for cars, boats, etc are limited to the proceeds of the sale.