Donating to charitable organizations not only supports worthy causes but can also provide you with valuable tax deductions. The Salvation Army, a well-respected international charity, relies heavily on donations of goods to fund their programs that assist individuals and families in need. Understanding the value of your donated items is crucial for accurately claiming these deductions. This comprehensive Salvation Army Valuation Guide will help you determine the fair market value of your donations, ensuring you maximize your tax benefits while contributing to a great cause.
Understanding the Salvation Army Donation Valuation Guide
The Salvation Army Valuation Guide is a helpful resource designed to assist donors in estimating the fair market value of items they donate. This guide is not an official appraisal but rather a range of values based on the type and condition of typical donations. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows you to deduct the fair market value of donated goods to qualified organizations like The Salvation Army. Fair market value is generally defined as the price an item would sell for in its current condition in a thrift store or resale shop.
It’s important to remember that the Salvation Army Valuation Guide provides estimated ranges. The actual value of your donation depends on several factors, including the item’s age, condition, brand, and current market demand. When using this guide, honestly assess the condition of your items and choose a value within the provided range that accurately reflects their quality. Keeping detailed records of your donations and their estimated values is essential for tax purposes.
What Items Can You Donate to The Salvation Army?
The Salvation Army gratefully accepts a wide variety of donations, making it easy for you to declutter your home and support your community at the same time. Commonly donated items include:
- Clothing: Men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, including everyday wear, outerwear, shoes, and accessories.
- Furniture: Household furniture such as sofas, chairs, tables, beds, dressers, and more.
- Household Goods: Kitchenware, dishes, cookware, home décor, linens, and small appliances.
- Electronics: Working televisions, radios, computers, and other electronics. (Note: Always check with your local Salvation Army for specific electronics they accept.)
- Vehicles: Cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles, boats, and recreational vehicles.
Generally, donated items should be in good, gently used condition. Clothing should be clean and wearable, furniture should be functional and free of major damage, and appliances and electronics should be in working order. By donating quality items, you help The Salvation Army raise more funds to support their vital programs.
Salvation Army Donation Value Guide Tables
To help you estimate the value of your donations, refer to the following valuation guide tables. These tables provide low and high value estimates for various categories of items. Remember to consider the condition and quality of your specific items when determining their value within these ranges.
Appliance Donations
| Appliance Donations | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Air Conditioner | $20.00 | $90.00 |
| Dryer | $45.00 | $90.00 |
| Electric Stove | $75.00 | $150.00 |
| Gas Stove | $50.00 | $125.00 |
| Heater | $7.50 | $22.00 |
| Microwave | $10.00 | $50.00 |
| Refrigerator (working) | $75.00 | $250.00 |
| T.V. (color, working) | $75.00 | $225.00 |
| Washing Machine | $40.00 | $150.00 |
Children’s Clothing Donation
| Children’s Clothing Donation | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Blouse | $2.00 | $8.00 |
| Boots | $3.00 | $20.00 |
| Coat | $4.50 | $20.00 |
| Dress | $3.50 | $12.00 |
| Jacket | $3.00 | $25.00 |
| Jeans | $3.50 | $12.00 |
| Pants | $2.50 | $12.00 |
| Shirt | $2.00 | $6.00 |
| Shoes | $2.50 | $8.75 |
| Skirt | $1.50 | $6.00 |
| Slacks | $2.00 | $8.00 |
| Snowsuit | $4.00 | $19.00 |
| Socks | $0.50 | $1.50 |
| Sweater | $2.50 | $8.00 |
| Underwear | $1.00 | $3.50 |
Men’s Clothing Donation
| Men’s Clothing Donation | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Jacket | $7.50 | $25.00 |
| Overcoat | $15.00 | $60.00 |
| Pajamas | $2.00 | $8.00 |
| Raincoat | $5.00 | $20.00 |
| Shirt | $2.50 | $12.00 |
| Shoes | $3.50 | $25.00 |
| Shorts | $3.50 | $10.00 |
| Slacks | $5.00 | $12.00 |
| Suit | $15.00 | $60.00 |
| Sweater | $2.50 | $12.00 |
| Swim Trunks | $2.50 | $8.00 |
| Tuxedo | $10.00 | $60.00 |
| Undershirt | $1.00 | $3.00 |
| Undershort | $1.00 | $3.00 |
Women’s Clothing Donation
| Women’s Clothing Donation | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Bathing Suit | $4.00 | $12.00 |
| Bathrobe | $2.50 | $12.00 |
| Blouse | $2.50 | $12.00 |
| Boots | $2.00 | $5.00 |
| Bra | $1.00 | $3.00 |
| Coat | $10.00 | $40.00 |
| Dress | $4.00 | $20.00 |
| Evening Dress | $10.00 | $60.00 |
| Foundation Garment | $3.00 | $8.00 |
| Fur Coat | $25.00 | $400.00 |
| Fur Hat | $7.00 | $15.00 |
| Handbag | $2.00 | $20.00 |
| Hat | $1.00 | $8.00 |
| Jacket | $4.00 | $12.00 |
| Nightgown | $4.00 | $12.00 |
| Pants Suit | $6.50 | $25.00 |
| Shoes | $2.00 | $25.00 |
| Skirt | $3.00 | $8.00 |
| Slacks | $3.50 | $12.00 |
| Slip | $1.00 | $6.00 |
| Socks | $0.50 | $1.25 |
| Suit | $6.00 | $25.00 |
| Sweater | $3.75 | $15.00 |
Household Goods Donation
| Household Goods Donation | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Bakeware | $1.00 | $3.00 |
| Bedspread/Quilt | $3.00 | $24.00 |
| Blanket | $3.00 | $15.00 |
| Chair/Sofa Cover | $15.00 | $35.00 |
| Coffeemaker | $4.00 | $15.00 |
| Curtains | $1.50 | $12.00 |
| Drapes | $6.50 | $40.00 |
| Fireplace Set | $20.00 | $80.00 |
| Floor Lamp | $6.00 | $50.00 |
| Glass/Cup | $0.50 | $1.50 |
| Griddle | $4.00 | $12.00 |
| Kitchen Utensils | $0.50 | $1.50 |
| Lamp | $5.00 | $75.00 |
| Mixer/Blender | $5.00 | $20.00 |
| Picture/Painting | $5.00 | $200.00 |
| Pillow | $2.00 | $8.00 |
| Plate | $0.50 | $3.00 |
| Pot/Pan | $1.00 | $3.00 |
| Sheets | $2.00 | $8.00 |
| Throw Rug | $1.50 | $12.00 |
| Towels | $0.50 | $4.00 |
Miscellaneous Item Donation
| Miscellaneous Item Donation | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Answering Machine | $10.00 | $30.00 |
| Bicycle | $5.00 | $80.00 |
| Board Game | $1.00 | $3.00 |
| Book (hardback) | $1.00 | $3.00 |
| Book (paperback) | $0.75 | $1.50 |
| CD | $2.00 | $5.00 |
| Computer Monitor | $5.00 | $50.00 |
| Computer Printer | $5.00 | $150.00 |
| Computer System | $100.00 | $400.00 |
| Copier | $40.00 | $200.00 |
| DVD | $2.00 | $5.00 |
| DVD Player/VCR | $8.00 | $15.00 |
| Edger | $5.00 | $25.00 |
| Golf Clubs | $2.00 | $25.00 |
| Ice Skates | $3.00 | $15.00 |
| Luggage | $5.00 | $15.00 |
| Mower | $25.00 | $100.00 |
| Mower (riding) | $100.00 | $300.00 |
| Radio | $7.50 | $50.00 |
| Roller Blades | $3.00 | $15.00 |
| Sewing Machine | $15.00 | $85.00 |
| Stereo | $15.00 | $75.00 |
| Stuffed Animal | $0.50 | $1.00 |
| Tennis Racket | $2.00 | $5.00 |
| Typewriter | $5.00 | $25.00 |
| Umbrella | $2.00 | $6.00 |
| Vacuum Cleaner | $15.00 | $65.00 |
Furniture Donation
| Furniture Donation | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Bed (full, queen, king) | $50.00 | $170.00 |
| Bed (single) | $35.00 | $100.00 |
| Bedroom Set (complete) | $250.00 | $1,000.00 |
| Carriage | $5.00 | $100.00 |
| Chair (upholstered) | $25.00 | $100.00 |
| Chest | $25.00 | $95.00 |
| China Cabinet | $85.00 | $300.00 |
| Clothes Closet | $15.00 | $50.00 |
| Coffee Table | $15.00 | $65.00 |
| Crib (w/mattress) | $25.00 | $100.00 |
| Desk | $25.00 | $140.00 |
| Dining Room Set (complete) | $150.00 | $900.00 |
| Dresser w/Mirror | $20.00 | $100.00 |
| End Table | $10.00 | $50.00 |
| Folding Bed | $20.00 | $60.00 |
| Hi Riser | $35.00 | $75.00 |
| High Chair | $10.00 | $50.00 |
| Kitchen Cabinet | $25.00 | $75.00 |
| Kitchen Chair | $2.50 | $10.00 |
| Kitchen Set | $35.00 | $170.00 |
| Mattress (double) | $12.50 | $75.00 |
| Mattress (single) | $15.00 | $35.00 |
| Playpen | $3.75 | $30.00 |
| Rugs | $20.00 | $90.00 |
| Secretary | $50.00 | $140.00 |
| Sleeper Sofa (with mattress) | $85.00 | $300.00 |
| Sofa | $35.00 | $200.00 |
| Trunk | $5.00 | $70.00 |
| Wardrobe | $20.00 | $100.00 |
How to Get a Donation Receipt from The Salvation Army
To properly claim your tax deduction, you’ll need a receipt from The Salvation Army. Obtaining a receipt is simple:
- Drop-off Donations: When you drop off your donation at a Salvation Army Family Thrift Store, a store clerk will readily provide you with a donation receipt. Be sure to ask for one before leaving your items.
- Donation Pick-up: If you schedule a donation pick-up, the truck driver who collects your items will give you a receipt at the time of pick-up.
This receipt will typically include the date of your donation and a description of the items donated (though sometimes it may just state “clothing,” “furniture,” etc.). Keep this receipt with your tax records as proof of your contribution.
Maximizing Your Donation and Tax Benefits
To make the most of your donations to The Salvation Army and ensure you receive the maximum possible tax deduction:
- Donate Quality Items: Donating items in good condition helps The Salvation Army generate more revenue from their thrift stores, increasing their ability to fund programs. It also ensures your donations are truly helpful to those in need.
- Keep Detailed Records: In addition to the receipt, maintain your own record of donated items. List each item and your estimated fair market value for each. Photos can also be helpful documentation.
- Understand IRS Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the IRS guidelines for charitable contributions. IRS Publication 526, Charitable Contributions, provides detailed information.
- Consult a Tax Advisor: If you have a large or complex donation, or if you have specific questions about tax deductions, consult with a qualified tax advisor. They can provide personalized guidance based on your individual circumstances.
Conclusion
Donating to The Salvation Army is a win-win situation. You declutter your home, support a vital organization that helps those in need, and potentially reduce your tax burden. By using this Salvation Army Valuation Guide, you can confidently estimate the value of your donations and ensure you are maximizing your tax deductions while contributing to a worthy cause. Your generosity makes a real difference in the lives of individuals and families in your community.
