When can I drop off my thrift donations?

Donating Items to LISTEN? Here's What You Need to Know for Tax Purposes

Thank you for supporting LISTEN! Your in-kind donations make a real difference in our community. If you're planning to claim a tax deduction for your donation, the IRS has some documentation requirements you should know about. Here's a simple guide to help:

1. Itemize on Your Tax Return

To claim a deduction, you must itemize deductions on your federal tax return (Form 1040, Schedule A).

2. Keep a Donation Receipt

We provide a form for you to fill out at drop-off. This includes:

• Date of your donation
• Brief description of donated items

We do not assign a dollar value to your donation. It's up to you to determine the fair market value of the items you gave. LISTEN does not keep a copy of your donation receipt

3. Determine the Fair Market Value

Fair market value is what someone would reasonably pay for the item in its current condition. The IRS has guidelines and tools (like the Salvation Army or Goodwill Valuation Guide) to help you estimate value.

4. Special Rules for Larger Donations

• Over $500? You must file Form 8283 with your tax return.
• Over $5,000? You’ll also need a qualified appraisal for most items.

5. Condition of Items

Only items in good used condition or better are eligible for a deduction. The IRS does not allow deductions for broken or heavily worn items.

Helpful Tip: It’s a good idea to make a list or take photos of your donated items and keep them with your tax records.