Tax Write off for Donating stuff?

[MenacingMonk]

Anyone do this? Was wondering how I go about this. I have some books, DVDs, blu rays, games, and clothes I want to donate to Goodwill, library, etc.

I'll do some research, but I'm hoping someone could break it down in less than the many paragraphs I'll find in articles.

 

[Dat Migo]

I think you can claim up to $500 without a receipt. Over that amount you would need some documentation.

 

[MenacingMonk]

I think you can claim up to $500 without a receipt. Over that amount you would need some documentation.

I think you'll still need a receipt regardless of the amount, right?

 

[Dat Migo]

I think you'll still need a receipt regardless of the amount, right?

Not according to TurboTax. I claim $500 every year because like you, I drop off stuff at Goodwill through out the year.

 

[ElTerrible]

You can claim it but it doesn't affect anything until you surpass a certain amount. My newest tax guy said other tax guys take the receipts to make it seem like they're getting all they can for you but unless it surpasses a pretty high threshold, it's all for show

 

[MillionMills]

The only way you get to write off donations is if you have itemized deductions above the amount of the standard deduction. Most people dont.

 

[MillionMills]

I think you can claim up to $500 without a receipt. Over that amount you would need some documentation.

I think you'll still need a receipt regardless of the amount, right?

Over $500 you need to file form 8283