Understand what a charitable donation is and how to claim a tax deduction without a tax receipt with IRS Form 8283. You cannot claim a charitable contribution without a receipt.Generally, you can only deduct charitable contributions if you itemize deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040), Itemized Deductions. Political party and independent candidate donations. When you donate, the DGR will usually issue you with a receipt, but they don't have to. When you bring items to one of our donation locations, you may fill out a paper donation form.