Items you donate may not qualify for a deduction
It used to be that you could take all your unused clothing and household items to the local Goodwill, Salvation Army, or thrift store and reap a nice charitable contribution deduction.
All you needed was a receipt stating the fair market value and the
deduction was allowed. The rules have changed for any donation of
noncash items to charitable organizations after August 17, 2006.
A charitable contribution deduction of clothing or household items will
only be allowed if the item is in good used condition, or better, and
you have a receipt. The IRS can deny a deduction for any item that has
little monetary value. There is an exception for single items that have
a value of more than $500 and for which you have a qualified appraisal.
