- 1). Choose a qualified charity to which you'd like to donate your clothes.
- 2). Determine the value of your clothing. As of August 2006, taxpayers cannot donate clothing and deduct the fair market value of their donation unless their clothes are in good condition.
- 3). Request a written acknowledgment from the charity to substantiate your donation. The IRS requires a written substantiation for donations exceeding $250. Even if your donation does not exceed the $250 threshold, obtaining a written receipt is generally a good idea, and charities routinely provide them, regardless of the donation value. Your written acknowledgment must include the date of your donation, a description of the clothing and if the charity paid you for your donation.
- 4). Obtain a qualified appraisal if the total value of your clothing donation exceeds $500. You may also donate one single item of clothing that is worth more than $500 if you obtain a qualified appraisal, even if it is not in decent condition.
- 5). File IRS Form 1040, Schedule A. You must itemize your tax returns or you cannot deduct your clothing donation.
- 6). Complete and file IRS Form 8283, Noncash Charitable Contributions, if your donation exceeds $500. Attach it to your Form 1040 and submit it with your form.
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