Why sign in to the Community?

  • Submit a question
  • Check your notifications
Sign in to the Community or Sign in to TurboTax and start working on your taxes
New Member
posted Jan 7, 2020 3:40:46 PM

What is the value of donating new contact lenses?

0 3 1072
3 Replies
Level 15
Jan 7, 2020 4:02:26 PM

Since the prescription would be unique to you they would not have much , if any, value.

New Member
Jan 19, 2020 2:08:28 PM

They wouldn't accept them if they were of no value to anyone else.  https://providenceeye.com/blog/recycle-and-donate-contact-lenses

Expert Alumni
Jan 20, 2020 10:58:17 AM

Your contact lenses are deductible if you itemize your deductions.  They are deductible up to the fair market value of the lenses.

 

To itemize deductions you will probably have to own a home with a mortgage and pay real estate and possibly state income taxes.

 

The alternative is the STANDARD DEDUCTION.  In this case you will automatically get a deduction of $12,200 for a single person, or $24,400 if married.

 

So, unless your itemized deductions exceed the standard deduction there is no tax advantage to claiming the contact lenses.