Thursday, December 24, 2009

QUESTION ON DEDUCTING USED CLOTHING

I am cleaning closets and will be giving a lot of clothing to the Salvation Army. Can I deduct this off of my taxes?

Amid

Amid, good idea if you are itemizing your deductions, which is sometimes called the “long form.” If you do itemize then the fair market value of the clothing will be deductible. This would also include household items such as old furniture.


To be deductible, clothing and household items donated to charity generally must be in good used condition or better. If it is not in “good” condition you would need an appraisal if the value is over $500. I don’t know how to get an appraisal of old clothing, but those are the rules. You would also need an appraisal if the fair market value is over $10,000.

Larry Kopsa CPA