Alternative to "its deductible" for donations?

[annsteere]

I heard somewhere that the software program "its deductible" offers higher values for donated goods than the sheet I get when I drop stuff off at the local center. I went on-line and it costs 20 bucks to download the "itsdeductible" list.

Where can I get a good list for placing values on my donated goods? Is there an alternative that costs less than 20 dollars, or is that money well spent because I'll more than make up the difference by being able to claim higher donation values?

I'm pretty involved in donating "stuff." I go to garage sales and buy things I know our local center needs. Then, I take a digital picture and deduct the actual, bargain price I paid for the items at garage sales. If I have an unusual item from my own house, I sometimes use ebay to get an idea of what the donation's actual value is.

THANKS for your help with this.

 

[formernyer]

I'm not sure what values it uses, but TaxCut makes a program called Deduction Pro.

Alternatively, if you go to your local Goodwill store, you can pick up a sheet which gives estimated values. They are pretty darn high, IMO...especially for clothing.

 

[Earstou]

Don't know if these prices are what you want, but here are two lists for donation prices: http://www.goodwillpromo.org/
and
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn...85256DDC007274DF80256B80003D22FC?openDocument (click on the list on the right for the category you want).

 

[NotUrsula]

itsdeductible is part of the TurboTax suite, it is tax preparation software. As such, the price of buying it is in itself deductible.

 

[KKB]

I would NEVER have valued my donated items so high! And the IRS accepts these values--though realize that everything you deduct must now be in GOOD condition.

When we used an accountant, he said he had no idea why people had garage sales...deducting things on your taxes will make you SOOOO much more $--for a lot less work! I didn't believe it until I saw the difference! (but there is the lure of quick cash...)

 

[Free4Life11]

Question...you can only deduct this if you itemize your deductions, correct?

 

[mickeyfan2]

I would NEVER have valued my donated items so high! And the IRS accepts these values--though realize that everything you deduct must now be in GOOD condition.

When we used an accountant, he said he had no idea why people had garage sales...deducting things on your taxes will make you SOOOO much more $--for a lot less work! I didn't believe it until I saw the difference! (but there is the lure of quick cash...)

Don't forget the AMT.