Understanding donation values and documentation
Plain-language answers to the questions people search for when they're trying to value and document a charitable donation.
If you've got a bag of clothes or a truckload of furniture headed to Goodwill, the Salvation Army, or a local thrift store, this guide covers what the IRS expects for that donation to count as a deduction — how to value it, what condition it needs to be in, and what documentation to keep.
These guides are educational and general in nature, not personalized tax advice. For anything specific to your situation, talk to a tax professional. And when you're ready to actually log and value a donation, DonationValue does it in seconds — see how it works.
Guides
Six plain-language guides, each checked against IRS publications.
How Much Are Donated Clothes Worth for Taxes?
Typical fair market value ranges for common clothing donations.
Read the guide →Goodwill Donation Value Guide
What the IRS expects when you donate to Goodwill specifically.
Read the guide →Furniture Donation Value Guide
Valuing sofas, tables, and other furniture donations.
Read the guide →IRS Donation Receipt Requirements
What kind of receipt you need, and when.
Read the guide →IRS Form 8283, Explained
When you need it, and how to fill it out.
Read the guide →Fair Market Value for Donations, Explained
The core concept behind every donation deduction.
Read the guide →Have items to value?
DonationValue can do this automatically.
