Don't guess what your donation is worth

What is fair market value?

Fair market value (FMV) is what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller for an item, given its current condition — not what you originally paid for it new, and not what it would cost to replace. For donated goods, the IRS generally expects this to reflect what the item would sell for used, such as through a thrift store or consignment shop.

How DonationValue estimates values

Each of DonationValue's 500+ catalog items has a fair market value range built from market data — a low, median, and high estimate. When you select an item, DonationValue starts from that range and adjusts it based on the details you provide.

How condition affects value

DonationValue supports four condition levels:

• Fair — visibly worn but still usable
• Good — used but functional, minor wear (the IRS baseline for a deductible donation)
• Very Good — lightly used, no significant flaws
• Excellent — like new

The condition you select shifts the estimate within the item's fair market value range. For some items, brand tier (standard, premium, or luxury) further adjusts the estimate.

Why donated goods aren't valued at retail price

A shirt that cost $60 new isn't worth $60 as a used donation — the IRS requires valuation based on what the item would sell for in its current, used condition, not its original price. This is one of the most common mistakes when people estimate donation values on their own, and it's exactly what DonationValue's catalog is built to get right automatically.

When you should override our estimate

DonationValue's estimate is a starting point, not a mandate. If you have specific knowledge about an item's value — a receipt, an appraisal, or a closer sense of local resale prices — you can adjust the value for any item. DonationValue records both the original estimate and your override, preserving the full history.

High-value donations

Donations over $500 in total generally require additional IRS documentation (Form 8283), and donations over $5,000 for a single item or group of similar items may require a qualified written appraisal. DonationValue's Tax Pack includes a pre-filled Form 8283 for donations over $500 — see the Tax Guide for more on documentation requirements. This information is educational and not a substitute for advice from a tax professional.

Our valuation methodology and version tracking

Every valuation DonationValue generates records which version of the valuation catalog was used, so your donation history stays consistent and auditable even as the underlying data is updated over time.