Final Charitable Contribution Reporting Regulations Issued

The Code imposes various reporting and substantiation requirements in order for a donor to claim a charitable contribution. More than once I have seen the IRS adopt a strict approach with taxpayers and have sought to disallow deductions for substantial contributions due to technical failures to comply with the rules.

The IRS has promulgated revisions to the rules, which in large part adopt the 2008 proposed regulations. Some key modifications include:

• All donors must keep records of their contributions. Code §170(f)(17). For money contributions, the donor must retain a canceled check, or other reliable written records showing the name of the donee, the date of contribution and the amount. Some organizations provide a blank pledge card to their donors. The Preamble to the new regulations provide that such a card is insufficient for these record keeping requirements since they it will not include all the information required.
• For contributions over $250, the donee organization must provide a contemporaneous written acknowledgment of the gift. Code §170(f)(8). A donor may be required to complete and submit a Form 8283, depending on the type of gift and the amount. The Preamble to the new rules provide that the Form 8283 itself does not meet the contemporaneous written acknowledgment requirement - a separate written acknowledgment is required.
• Appraisals are required for non-money contributions over $5,000. The new rules provide some technical modifications on what appraisers are qualified to issue the appraiser. For example, an appraiser can meet the requisite education and experience requirements by successfully completing professional or college-level coursework. The Preamble notes that mere attendance is not sufficient, and evidence of successful completion is required.
• If the contributed property is over $500,000 in value, the appraisal must be attached to the donor’s income tax return. Under the new rules, the appraisal is not attached just for the return of the contribution year, but must also be attached for future carryover years.

TD 9836. Substantiation and Reporting Requirements for Cash and Noncash Charitable Contribution Deductions

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