If you donate valuable items to charity, you may be required to get an appraisal. The IRS requires donors and charitable organizations to supply certain information to prove their right to deduct charitable contributions. If you donate an item of property (or a group of similar items) worth more than $5,000, certain appraisal requirements apply. You must: get a “qualified appraisal;” attach an “appraisal summary” to the first tax return on which the deduction is claimed; include other information with the return; receive the qualified appraisal before your tax return is due; and maintain certain records. Other rules apply to larger gifts and there are exceptions. Contact us with questions.