If I donate a brand new item and give it to a charity unopened still in the original packaging, isn't the value of the new item the same as what I paid for it?

[choosylady]

The items are brand new and still in the original packaging never ever used.

[SweetieJean]

Yes.  Select "Comparable Sales" when entering it.

[bclee]

Not always.  Some items drop in value over time.  For example, if you bought a new PC in 1998 for $1000 and it was still new in the box, it could not be fairly valued as $1000 today.  The donation value of an item is what it is worth on the date it was donated.

[SweetieJean]

Good point, but many donations are made relatively quickly after the purchase,  For example, you go to a store and buy things for an upcoming church rummage sale or charity auction.