Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3)
nonprofit organization, which means donations to Goodwill are tax-deductable.

Per IRS Publication 561, all nonprofit organizations are prohibited from assigning values to material donations. That means it's the donor's responsibility to determine an item's ”fair market value.”

Here are some tips to make your tax preparation easier:

• First and foremost, do your homework.  The “fair market value” of a donated shirt, for example, is far different than a used automobile.
  If you bought a new shirt for $40 a decade ago, then donated it to Goodwill and we resold it for $3.99, then its “fair market value”
  is $3.99, not $40.  Our donation center manager will sign the form to acknowledge a donation was made. That signature on the form is
  not an appraisal.
• If you believe your donation is worth more than $500, you must submit
  an IRS Form 8283 with your tax filing.
• If you believe your donation is worth more than $5,000, the IRS
  requires a professional appraisal.  You can also have appraisals
  done on any other items, regardless of value. The IRS accepts professional appraisals because it takes the guesswork out of the process. The nominal cost of the appraisal may also be deductible
  as a miscellaneous expense.
• If the claimed value of a donated motor vehicle, boat or plane exceeds $500 and the item is sold by the charitable organization, the taxpayer
  is limited to the gross proceeds from the sale. (see Auto Donations)
• When filling out your donation receipt, please try to include as much information as possible about the type and quantity of your donated items. Trying to claim $400 for "one bag of clothes" is a red flag to auditors.
• Only taxpayers who itemize (use the long form) can deduct charitable donations.
• You cannot deduct charitable donations using the short or EZ form.
• If you don't normally itemize but made a sizable charity donation, the donation must be greater than the standard deduction.
• Save all of your paperwork.
• Always consult a tax accountant if you have questions about your claim.

More IRS guidelines for charitable contributions are available by
calling toll-free 1-800-829-1040.