You can generally deduct the fair market value of most property you donate to a qualified organization. Special rules apply to several types of property, including clothing or household items, cars and boats. Organizations such as Salvation Army, Goodwill Industries and Boys and Girls Clubs are considered qualified or you can ask any organization whether it is a qualified organization. To determine the fair market value of larger items such as cars and boats (unless a very small boat) you will need an appraisal. To determine the fair market value of clothing and household items, IRS does not have any guidelines. The internet to the rescue, sites such as:

http://www.dnelsoncpas.com/assets/2008%20Valuations%20Fillable.pdf
http://www.philamoore.com/NonCashCharitableWorksheet.PDF
http://www.taxguru.org/pdf/NonCashDonationsWkSht.pdf
http://www.goodwill.org/pub/2008%20Valuation%20Guide.pdf

offer guidelines, some of which are fillable.


The easiest way to keep the required records is to fill out one of these forms and attach it to the door hanger that the organization provides.