Deductions & credits

Note that you can't donate the use of the property, only the actual donation where the charity takes full title and can do what they want with the property.  

 

You need an appraisal signed by a qualified appraiser for the type of property you donated.  You also need a signed acknowledgment from a responsible official of the charity.  Both the appraiser and the charity official must also sign a copy of form 8283 that includes the donation details, and the original signed form 8283 must be mailed to the IRS after you e-file the rest of your return.  (Save a copy for your records, and use a mail service with tracking and proof of delivery).  You also need to know if the charity is classified as a "50% charity", 30% charity, or 20% charity, under the tax regulations. 

 

Depending on your other income and the type of charity, you might not be able to claim all the value this year, and have to carry it forward to next year.

 

For the dollar amount you mention, you might want professional help to make sure everything is correct.