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How do I value donated property?
Start with the property’s likely selling price in its actual condition on the date of donation. The IRS describes FMV as the price property would sell for on the open market. A recent arm’s-length purchase or sale near the donation date can be relevant evidence, but original cost is not automatically the deductible value. Used clothing and household goods usually sell for substantially less than new retail, and some goods may have little or no market value if they are worn out, obsolete, or out of style. IRS Publication 561 explains the valuation standard and examples.
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Use comparable used-market evidence
For ordinary items, compare the donation with similar used items in age, condition, style, usefulness, location, and demand. Thrift-store or consignment prices can indicate the value of comparable clothing. A completed sale is generally stronger evidence than an asking price, which shows what a seller hopes to receive rather than what a buyer paid.
Do not average unrelated listings or use a generic donation chart as if the IRS endorsed it. A valuation is more defensible when the comparison is close to the donated item and the donation date.
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A practical method for ordinary used goods
- Identify what you gave. Record the donation date, item description, quantity, and condition. For a group of similar goods, describe the group clearly enough to distinguish it.
- Find relevant comparisons. Look for similar used goods, matching condition and other value-affecting characteristics. For clothing, local thrift or consignment prices may help; prefer actual transaction evidence when available.
- Adjust for differences. Account for wear, damage, missing parts, age, obsolescence, style, usefulness, and demand. A damaged or outdated item should not be valued like a comparable item in good condition.
- Keep your supporting records. Save your notes and any useful listings or sales information. Photographs can help document condition, though the IRS does not specifically require photos for ordinary household goods. A charity receipt can substantiate the gift and describe the property, but it does not establish FMV.
Clothing and household items generally must be in good used condition or better to qualify for a deduction. Publication 561 describes a limited exception for certain items in worse condition when the claimed deduction is more than $500; that exception requires a qualified appraisal and Form 8283. Check the publication for the specific conditions before relying on it.
Records and federal reporting thresholds
These are general federal rules; exceptions and special reporting requirements apply to some property and contributions. Check the current tax-year version of the IRS publications and forms before filing.
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| Situation | General rule | What to keep or file |
|---|---|---|
| Contribution of $250 or more | A contemporaneous written acknowledgment from the qualified organization is generally required. | Obtain the acknowledgment by the earlier of filing your return or its due date, including extensions. For a noncash gift, it should describe the property, not assign its FMV. If the organization provided goods or services, the acknowledgment should describe them and give a good-faith estimate of their value when required. See Publication 561 and IRS donation recordkeeping guidance. |
| Noncash deduction over $500 | Form 8283 is generally required, including applicable aggregation of similar items. | Use the current Form 8283 instructions to determine the applicable section and exceptions. |
| Claimed value over $5,000 | A qualified appraisal and Form 8283 Section B are generally required. | Exceptions and special rules apply; consult the current Form 8283 instructions and relevant IRS publications. |
The acknowledgment and tax form serve different purposes: the organization documents the gift, while you determine and substantiate the amount claimed. Acceptance of an item by a charity does not, by itself, establish that it qualifies for a deduction or prove its value.
Special property and gifts with benefits
Vehicles
Vehicle donations have specific rules, and the deductible amount can depend on what the charity does with the vehicle and the acknowledgment it provides. For valuation, IRS Publication 526 points to a used-car guide’s private-party sale figure rather than dealer retail. Check the current publication’s vehicle-donation rules for your situation.
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Art and collectibles
For a claimed deduction above $5,000, a qualified appraisal and Form 8283 are generally required, subject to exceptions. Publication 561 describes additional requirements for art at higher claimed values. Because condition, authenticity, provenance, and market evidence may matter, ordinary household-goods comparisons are not an adequate substitute for the applicable appraisal rules.
Property with restrictions or special tax treatment
Property subject to restrictions, inventory, securities, and gifts where the charity’s use may affect the deduction can involve rules based on the property type, use, basis, or other facts. Do not apply the used-goods method mechanically; consult Publication 526 and Publication 561 for the relevant category.
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Goods or services received in return
If you receive goods or services from a charity in exchange for a payment, the deductible contribution is generally limited to the amount paid above the FMV of those benefits. For example, the deductible portion of a payment tied to a benefit is not necessarily the full payment. See the IRS guidance on quid pro quo charitable contributions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which IRS materials to check
The relevant IRS materials include Publication 561, revised December 2025; Publication 526 for 2025; and the Instructions for Form 8283, revised December 2025. The IRS forms listing shows Form 8283 posted January 6, 2026, and its instructions posted February 2, 2026. Use the versions applicable to the tax year of your contribution; the IRS maintains the Form 8283 forms listing.
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