Clothing Donation Value Calculator
Fair market value for donated clothing.
Estimate the fair market value of donated clothing for a tax deduction, based on original price, condition and typical thrift pricing.
What the item would actually sell for secondhand, as a share of what it cost new.
Fair market value
$11.00
$8.25–$13.75 range
Fair market value is what the item would actually sell for secondhand, not what it cost. The burden of proof sits with the donor, so keep the charity's receipt and an itemised list, and lean toward the lower end of the range. Selling almost always returns more than the deduction is worth.
How the Clothing Donation Value Calculator works
Donated clothing is deductible at fair market value, which is what the item would actually sell for secondhand — not what it cost. That figure is usually a small fraction of the original price, and because the burden of proof sits with the donor, the sensible approach is a conservative estimate with a record of how it was reached.
Also known as: donation value guide calculator · charitable clothing deduction calculator
Fair market value, not what you paid
Donated clothing is deductible at fair market value: what the item would actually sell for secondhand, in the condition it is in. That is typically 10 to 20% of the original price for good condition items, and less for anything worn.
The condition multiplier applies on top of that. A good-condition item at a 20% thrift price is 20% × 0.55, or 11% of what it cost — which is why a bag of clothing that cost several hundred pounds is worth a modest two-figure deduction.
Because the burden of proof sits with the donor, the sensible approach is a conservative central figure with a range around it, and a record of how it was reached.
A worked example
A coat that cost £100, now in good condition, in a market where similar coats sell for about a fifth of retail. The central estimate is £100 × 0.20 × 0.55, which is £11, with a reasonable range of £8 to £14.
Twenty such items is £220 rather than the £2,000 they cost. At a 20% marginal tax rate the deduction is worth about £44 — which is why selling, even at resale prices, almost always returns more than donating does.
Where the answer misleads
Rules differ by country and by amount, and thresholds trigger extra requirements: itemised lists above one level, formal appraisals above another. This produces an estimate of value, not advice on what you may claim — check your own jurisdiction's rules.
Condition standards for deductibility are stricter than people assume. Generally an item must be in good used condition or better to be claimed at all, and stained or torn items are neither deductible nor welcome at the charity.
Finally, valuation guides published by charities are ranges for typical items, not appraisals of yours. Where a single item is worth a substantial amount, its value needs establishing properly rather than estimating.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I deduct for donated clothes?
Fair market value, which is what the item would sell for in a thrift shop. That is commonly 10 to 20% of the original price for items in good condition, and less for anything worn.
What condition do donations need to be in?
Generally good used condition or better to be deductible at all. Items that are stained, torn or heavily worn typically cannot be claimed, and charities would often rather not receive them.
Do I need receipts?
Keep the charity's receipt for any donation, and for larger totals you will need an itemised list with your valuations. Above certain thresholds a formal appraisal is required — the rules vary by country and by amount, so check yours.
Is donating better than selling?
Financially, selling almost always returns more, since a deduction is worth only your marginal tax rate times the value while a sale returns the whole amount. Donating wins on time and effort, which for a bag of everyday clothing is usually the deciding factor.