A little knowledge goes a long way
What is a donated item worth?
A practical way to organize evidence for your own fair market value estimate.
Think about the used market
The IRS uses fair market value: broadly, the price agreed by an informed willing buyer and seller, neither forced to act. Your original purchase price and a new item’s retail price do not establish today’s used value.
Build a small evidence file
- Describe the exact item, including material, brand if known, dimensions and age.
- Photograph its condition and any wear.
- Find genuinely comparable used items. Completed sales can be more informative than ambitious asking prices.
- Record the source, date and reasons the comparison fits—or differs.
- Explain your estimate rather than choosing an unsupported round number.
Example: compare like with like
Compare a used dresser with similar used dressers—not a new designer piece. This example assigns no value and is not an appraisal.
Know when to get professional help
Higher-value or unusual gifts can require an appraisal. Review the tax paperwork checkpoints before donating.
Source: IRS Publication 561: valuation principles and appraisals ↗ · Reviewed October 20, 2026.
Put your plan together.
Explore charity options · Prepare your items · Build a pickup plan