Do you donate items to a non-profit organization like Salvation Army or Goodwill? If so, do you claim those items on your taxes (if you itemize)?
Valuing non-cash contributions can be difficult to do, since we all have such differing views on how much an item is worth (just visit any garage sale). Here are some ways to help you maximize your contribution and stay legal in case of an audit.
- When I have a donation ready to drop off, I enter every item in It’s Deductible Online (it’s free to use). You can see the value of every item that you enter and print off a list to keep with your tax documents.
- I also take a picture of my pile of stuff to donate as visual proof in case of an audit.
- When I make the drop off (or an organization picks it up), I make sure that I get a receipt with the date and I staple my list to the receipt.
- File your receipts in your 2009 tax file (you have one, right?)
- At the end of the year, you can log in to your account and see the valuation of all your donations for the year. Use that information to enter your deductions for taxes (if you itemize).
That’s how I keep track of my non-cash donations. A few other sites that list values are:
How do you keep track of your non-cash donations? For more ideas that work for others, visit We are THAT Family.
Of course, please consult your tax professional regarding the tax laws and your situation. These are just examples of how I organize my non-cash contributions.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I do many of these, but not the It’s Deductible Online. I create an itemized list but we do not associate a value until we do our taxes. It would be easier to do a little at a time all year! Thanks for sharing a great tip!
[Reply]
Great tips! Thanks!
-Kim
[Reply]
We do It’s Deductible, too. It’s great since we end up giving so much stuff to Goodwill.
[Reply]
I have started taking a picture of the pile that helps me later remember what I gave. Also it helps that tax man see that we really did give away all that stuff! Great tip.
[Reply]
I have been thinking about this and my hubby did say we can claim them on our taxes next year….maybe we’ll give it a try. Thanks!
BTW-I’m new to your blog. Will visit again!
Sheena
[Reply]
Great Idea. Thanks for sharing.
[Reply]
Thanks for the comment you left me. I appreciate it!
Thanks!
[Reply]
Those are great tips! My mil is always fussing at me for not keeping better track of our donations. Well, she is always fussing at me for more than that, but that’s a whole ‘nother comment.
[Reply]
Great idea…especially with the beginning of the year and starting out new 2009 files. I will admit that I am the WORST about keeping up with receipts!! Ha! Good tip!
[Reply]
What a great resource! Our tax person just told us this year to start taking pictures of our donations. I'll be checking out It's Deductible Online from now on!
Recent blog post: Make Money With Bank Bonuses
[Reply]
Great tips! I need these- I tend to be so unorganized it’s scary!
[Reply]