To claim charitable donations, you'll need to itemize your deductions on your tax return instead of taking the standard deduction. You must adjust your standard or itemized deductions and exemptions based on the percentage of your income subject to Maryland tax.That means, yes, you may be able to deduct up to a thousand dollars for the donation even if you take the standard deduction. Since most charitable organizations are considered section 501(c)(3) organizations, donations to these charities are generally tax deductible for the donor. Donations of both cash and property are deductible. Proof of charitable contributions refers to the substantiation that the Internal Revenue Service requires to claim a donation as a tax deduction. Use Schedule A (Form 1040) to figure your itemized deductions. Understand what a charitable donation is and how to claim a tax deduction without a tax receipt with IRS Form 8283.