How to Get Proof of Clothing Donations
The IRS says that you can deduct the fair market value of items that you donate to a non-profit agency as long as the items are in good, usable condition or better. If your total donation deductions exceed $500 during the course of the year, you need to file form 8283 with your taxes. Keep proof of the donations so you can produce it if you are audited.
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Instructions
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Make a list of all clothing that you are donating each time you make a donation. List each item separately and make a note about the age or condition. On your list, record the date of the donation and the organization that you made the donation to.
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Take pictures of the clothing you are donating as proof of condition. If you use a film camera get the pictures developed. If you use a digital camera, print copies of the pictures. Attach the pictures to your donation list.
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Request a receipt from the organization when you drop the donation off. Some organizations, such as the Salvation Army, might give you a receipt automatically. If they do not, be sure to ask for one. Avoid dropping your donations in a drop box, where no receipt is provided.
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Assign a value to each piece of clothing donated, if the organization did not put a dollar amount on your receipt. Most organizations do not do the dollar valuation for you. The value of the items is determined by fair market price of comparable items. You can get the value by walking through the store to see what they sell the items for, or make your job easier by using the Salvation Army value guide. This guide is available on their website.
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Get an individual appraisal for any item you wish to donate that has a value of over $500. The IRS requires you keep appraisals for high-
priced items donated. -
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Keep all of your donation proof together and organized. File this information with your tax records for the year in which you made the donation.
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