Thrift shop value
What buyers of used items actually pay in consignment or thrift shops, which Publication 561 treats as an indication of value for used clothing.
On used clothing, Publication 561 says: "The price that buyers of used items actually pay in used clothing stores, such as consignment or thrift shops, is an indication of the value."
The same section is blunt about the starting point: used clothing and personal items are generally worth far less than what was paid for them, and the publication states that "You cannot take an income tax charitable contribution deduction for an item of clothing unless it is in good used condition or better."
This is why a deduction built on original prices is indefensible, and why a conservative range with a citation is worth more at audit than a generous number with nothing behind it.
Sources
Definitions describe the rule as published. They are not tax advice, and almost every threshold above has an exception attached to it in the underlying publication. Confirm anything that affects a return with a qualified tax professional.
Related terms
Fair market value (FMV)
The price property would sell for on the open market between a willing buyer and a willing seller, both informed and neither under compulsion.
Good used condition or better
The minimum condition standard for deducting donated clothing and household items, with a narrow exception above $500 backed by a qualified appraisal.
Condition tier
The grade assigned to a donated item, which selects a value range. DeductiBee uses Like new, Good, and Fair, and deliberately has no lower tier.
FMV factors
The four considerations Publication 561 lists for arriving at fair market value: cost or selling price, comparable sales, replacement cost, and expert opinion.
Values with the source attached
DeductiBee applies a cited fair-market-value range to everything you donate, keeps the photo with the record, and exports a Form 8283 worksheet when you file.
