Tax Tip: Charitable Donations of Property

If you itemize on your tax return, donating furniture, vehicles, or other property to IRS-approved charitable organizations allows you to improve the lives of others while reducing clutter in your own, all while gaining a valuable tax deduction. In many cases, the allowed deduction is equal to the fair market value of the property you donate. However, for property that appreciates in value, such as artwork or musical instruments, special rules govern the allowable deduction amount.

The size of your deduction may also be affected by your adjusted gross income (AGI) and whether you made monetary charitable donations during the same tax year. Deductions of $250 or more require a written acknowledgement from the receiving organization, and those of over $500 require additional documentation. Any deduction for a donation of property valued at over $5,000 requires a certified appraisal.