If you donate during Goodwill regular hours, an attendant will offer you a donation receipt to keep for your tax records.  According to the IRS, it is the donor's responsibility to fill out the receipt and assess the donation's value.

Remember:

• All donations to Goodwill are 100 percent tax deductible.
• Goodwill does not keep permanent records of donations.
• You are responsible for placing a value on your donation.

For more information, read IRS Publication 526 for an explanation on the types of contributions you can deduct, how much you can deduct, what records to keep, and how to report charitable contributions.

Fair Market Value

Read IRS Publication 561 for more information on what defines fair market value.  The IRS publication will also help you determine the value of property donated to qualified organizations and explains the information you need to claim the deduction. Federal law provides that donated clothing and household items must be in good, used condition or better for tax purposes.

• Consult a local tax advisor about fair market values in your area.
• Visit a Goodwill store and price similar items. Or use our Suggested Values.
• Review the tax guideliness available from the Internal Revenue Service.

 

Documents Required for IRS

• Property worth $500 or less: You must justify the deduction with the receipt provided by Goodwill. The receipt should include the donor's name, address, date, and a list of items donated.
• Property worth more than $500, but not more than $5,000: In addition to the receipt provided by Goodwill, you are required to complete IRS Form 8283, "Non-Cash Charitable Contribution." This form will contain written records of how the property was acquired, and your cost basis if the property was held less than 12 months. Also, if you are claiming an item worth $500 or more, you must have the item appraised, and save the certificate of appraisal with the receipt in your tax records.
• A single item valued at $5,000 or more, or several similar items donated in a single year whose value totals $5,000 or more: This donation must be appraised before the donation is made, and the appraisal must be obtained by the donor. Goodwill does not perform appraisals on any donations.