Understand what a charitable donation is and how to claim a tax deduction without a tax receipt with IRS Form 8283. When you donate, the DGR will usually issue you with a receipt, but they don't have to.Political party and independent candidate donations. Get a written certificate of receipt from the charity you donate money to. Always get a receipt when donating. Generally, you can only deduct charitable contributions if you itemize deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040), Itemized Deductions.