When do valuable gifts to charity require an appraisal?
If you donate valuable items to charity and you itemize deductions on your tax return, you may be required to get an appraisal. The IRS requires donors and charities to supply certain information to prove their right to deduct contributions. If you donate an item of property (or a group of similar items) worth more than $5,000, certain requirements apply. You must: get a qualified appraisal; receive the qualified appraisal before your tax return is due; attach an appraisal summary to the first tax return on which the deduction is claimed; include other information with the return; and maintain certain records. Other rules apply to larger gifts and there are exceptions. Questions? Contact us.
