🎁

Donation Value Estimator

Estimate IRS fair market value for donated clothing, furniture & electronics — build your 2026 tax deduction list

Add Donated Item
Select a category to see the estimated value range
Donated Items
📦 Add donated items above to build your tax deduction list.
Your list is saved in your browser — no account needed.
💡 Export to CSV to save a permanent copy — useful if you switch devices or clear your browser.
Deduction Summary
Total Items 0
Low Estimate $0.00
High Estimate $0.00
Mid-Point Estimate $0.00
⚠ Tax Disclaimer: These are estimated fair market value ranges based on IRS Publication 561 guidelines and published thrift-store valuation guides (Goodwill, Salvation Army). Actual deductible amounts depend on item condition, local market conditions, and IRS rules. Donations over $500 may require Form 8283. Donations over $5,000 generally require a qualified appraisal. This tool does not constitute tax advice — consult a qualified tax professional.
💾 Save your list: Your donation list is stored in your browser only. Export to CSV to keep a permanent copy — you can re-import it anytime, even on a different device or after clearing your browser data.
📲
Add Donation Estimator to your home screen

How to Estimate Your Donation Tax Deduction

  1. Select a category — Choose the type of item from clothing, furniture, electronics, books, and more.
  2. Set the condition — Excellent, Good, Fair, or Poor. Condition significantly affects fair market value.
  3. Enter the quantity — Add multiple items at once. Click Add to List.
  4. Review your summary — See your low, mid-point, and high IRS-guideline deduction estimate.
  5. Export to CSV — Save your donation list for your tax records. File Form 8283 if your total non-cash deductions exceed $500.

About This Tool

This free donation value estimator uses fair market value (FMV) ranges derived from IRS Publication 561 (Determining the Value of Donated Property), the Goodwill Donation Value Guide, and the Salvation Army Valuation Guide. FMV is what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller at a thrift store — not the original purchase price.

Our database covers 100+ item types across clothing, household items, furniture, electronics, major appliances, books & media, sporting goods, toys, and musical instruments. Values are adjusted for four condition levels and are updated periodically to reflect current thrift-store market prices.

Important: These are estimated ranges. Actual deductible amounts depend on condition, local market, and IRS rules. This tool does not constitute tax advice — consult a qualified tax professional for your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I deduct for donated clothing?

You can deduct the fair market value — what a buyer would pay at a thrift store. Typical IRS-guideline values range from $1–$3 for poor-condition items to $6–$15 for a shirt in excellent condition, $8–$25 for pants, and $15–$45 for a winter coat. Clothing must be in good used condition or better to qualify.

What is fair market value (FMV)?

Fair market value is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller, with neither under compulsion. For donated items, the IRS uses thrift-store resale value — not original purchase price or replacement cost. IRS Publication 561 provides formal guidance.

Do I need a receipt for donated items?

Yes. For a single contribution of $250 or more, you need a written acknowledgment from the charity. For clothing and household items totaling over $500, you must file IRS Form 8283. Keep your donation receipt and a photo of the items.

When do I need IRS Form 8283?

Form 8283 (Noncash Charitable Contributions) is required when your total non-cash charitable deductions exceed $500 for the year. Section A covers items valued $500–$5,000. For a single item valued over $5,000, you generally need a qualified appraisal and must complete Section B.

When do I need a qualified appraisal?

A qualified appraisal from a certified appraiser is required when a single donated item (or group of similar items) has a claimed value over $5,000. For clothing and household items specifically, an appraisal is required if a single item is claimed at over $500 and is not in good used condition.

Can I deduct furniture donations on my taxes?

Yes. Donated furniture is deductible at FMV. Typical values range from $20–$100 for lamps and end tables to $50–$200 for a sofa in good condition. Keep photos and your donation receipt. Furniture in poor condition may have minimal deductible value.

How do I value donated electronics?

Donated electronics are valued at thrift-store resale price, not what you paid. A laptop in good condition: $40–$120. A flat-screen TV in excellent condition: $30–$100. A smartphone: $5–$25. Check current local thrift prices to confirm — our estimates are based on published valuation guides.

Can I import a previous donation list?

Yes — click Import CSV and select a CSV file previously exported from this app. Your items will be restored exactly as they were, including quantities, conditions, and estimated values. This makes it easy to build on last year's list or combine multiple donation runs.