How to Value Non-Cash Charitable Gifts
- 1). Make a list of items donated. Your description doesn't have to be terribly detailed, but it should be specific. Instead of "miscellaneous clothing," list "three men's shirts, one woman's dress, toddler jeans and one pair of women's tennis shoes."
- 2). List the condition of each item. Condition makes a difference on valuation. An almost-new shirt you wore twice is worth more than a 5-year-old shirt with a missing button and a stain.
- 3). Consult the Salvation Army or Goodwill Industries guides for valuating donations. For instance, the Salvation Army values men's shirts from $3 to $14.40, depending on condition, while Goodwill Industries sets a value of $2 to $10. You may choose one of these values or pick an average.
- 4). For collectibles, art, or unusual items, look on eBay. You can see what similar items have sold for. On the eBay search, choose Advanced Search, and select Completed Auctions. This will help you establish "fair market value" of your donation. For antiques, consult published evaluation guides or auction catalogs.