Charitable donations over $5000

[nizar-suleman]

We made a charitable donation of new and good condition clothes as well as household goods. Total value based on It's Deductible $6500. We have a receipt from the organization we donated to (giving date, general description as well as condition) and a list of items and cost of new items. Does this donation need to be appraised and what is the best way to claim this donation? No single item was over $500. Thank you. 

[MargaretL · Accepted solution]

Yes, this charitable donation does need to be appraised.  The $5000 limit applies to donations of an individual item or group of similar items. Clothes and household goods would be considered 'similar items'.  The best way to claim this deduction is to attach an appraisal, so that the IRS doesn't question a donation of that size.  Without an appraisal, they may disallow the deduction or issue a correspondence asking for an appraisal before allowing a charitable donation deduction, which may result in a delay of your refund. 

[jhayes077]

How do I do appraisal on a donation over $5000 in donation?