Donation to Goodwill and Salvation Army each $5k

[MLPK1]

We made donations of goods to both Goodwill and the Salvation Army, each being over $5000. Can we claim $5000 each to avoid having to have an appraisal or do you have to have an appraisal if your total donation for the year goes over $5000?

Thank you!

[Bsch4477]

The $5,000 threshold applies to the aggregate value of similar items, even if they are split between different charities. 

[DianeW777 · Accepted solution]

There is no avoiding the appraisal if the combined amount of you non-cash donation is over $5,000. 

An appraisal is required for non-cash charitable donations when the claimed value of a single item, or a group of similar items exceeds $5,000. A 'qualified appraisal' must be performed by a professional appraiser and summarized on Form 8283.

• Qualified Appraiser: The appraiser must be a professional who regularly performs appraisals and meets IRS requirements.
• Timing: The appraisal must be conducted no earlier than 60 days before the donation and received before the tax return is filed.

Form 8283 Instructions: $5,000 is the limit whether it's to one or more than one organization.

Requirement to fully complete Sections A and B.

Filers must fully complete Section A if they are reporting a noncash charitable contribution of more than $500 but not more than $5,000. Filers reporting a noncash charitable contribution of over $5,000 must fully complete Section B. The failure to fully complete either of these two sections may result in an incomplete filing of Form 8283.

• What is IRS Form 8283?

@MLPK1 

[MLPK1]

Thank you for your quick reply! You've answered my question perfectly.