Determining the Value of Donated Items
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Obtain a Valuation Guide
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The easiest way to figure out the value of your clothing is at the beginning--before you donate. You can find a valuation sheet for donated goods online, like those listed below for the Salvation Army and Goodwill below, or you can call your charity. Most charities have a valuation guide on their website, or they'll give you one when you donate.
Gathering and Valuing Your Items
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Gather your items in one place, and take an afternoon or an hour to sit down and place a value on them. Scan the valuation guide beforehand so you have an idea of the ranges allowed and then keep it with you for reference while you value your items. Keep a notebook with you and write down each item you plan to donate individually with the value you gave it as you go along. Value big items like televisions, household appliances and furniture first to get them out of the way. Since different types of clothing have different value ranges, separate clothing by type. Men's pants belong in one pile, women's in another. This will make the valuation process far less daunting as you go along.
After you're done, add up the valuation amounts in your notebook to get a donation total. When you get your donation receipt, keep a copy of your original valuation guide and the list of donated items with values you created with the receipt for tax purposes. -
Determining Amounts
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On the valuation sheet, everything has a range, but how do you decide what the value of your item is? Use common sense. If you donated a 13-inch television, it's probably going to be on the low end of the television range. If you're donating a high-end designer dress, it's probably going to be valued near the higher amount of the dress range. However, be aware the donated value of your item should never exceed its original selling price. An item you paid five dollars for at Wal-Mart is not going to be worth twenty when you donate it.
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