Sunday, July 12, 2009

Deduction value of donations of used books to help fund ministry?

My ministry obtained 501(c)(3) certification from the IRS last year, and one way I am trying to help raise funds is by running an online bookstore selling primarily used Christian books. I have received several hundred books as donations since the beginning of the year since I started soliciting donations, and I'm hoping to go live with the store in a few weeks, but I'm not sure what I need to do as far as assigning a donation value to the books when I send out donation receipts at the end of the year. Do I simply list the number and type of books donated and let the donor make the call on the value of the donation? Or does the IRS have any sort of a list of the deduction value of certain used items when it comes to charitable donations? Any links you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Deduction value of donations of used books to help fund ministry?
Yes, you send out the receipts, and you let the donor assign the value of the book. My accountant said it is what it would have sold for at a garage sale when I donated a lot of things this past year to determine the value to declare on my taxes.





I read your 360. What you wrote is very insightful. Why have you not added anything to it? I have been having problems because of not seeking enough from God. Your message was a reminder of what I need to do. Thanks.
Reply:Just list the books (or even the number of books), the date of contribution, your organization, and the name of the donor, on your receipt for donations.





You are not required to determine the value for tax purposes.


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