Download a copy of Publication 526, Charitable Contributions

This publication explains how to claim a deduction for your charitable contributions. It discusses organizations that are qualified to receive deductible charitable contributions, the types of contributions you can deduct, how much you can deduct, what records to keep, and how to report charitable contributions. In general, a charitable contribution is a donation or gift to, or for the use of, a qualified organization. It is voluntary and is made without getting, or expecting to get, anything of equal value.


Determining the Value of Donated Property: Publication 561, Determining the Value of Donated Property: This publication is designed to help donors and appraisers determine the value of property (other than cash) that is given to qualified organizations. It also explains what kind of information you must have to support the charitable contribution deduction you claim on your return.

This publication does not discuss how to figure the amount of your deduction for charitable contributions or written records and substantiation required. See Publication 526, Charitable Contributions, for this information.

You can also download a copy of Publication 561PDF.


A Donor's Guide to Car Donations: Publication 4303, A Donor's Guide to Car DonationsPDF: Through this publication, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and state charity officials provide general guidelines for individuals who donate their vehicles.

IRS Guidance Explains New Rules for Vehicle Donations

Noncash Charitable Contributions: Form 8283, Noncash Charitable Contributions: This form must be attached to your tax return if you claimed a total deduction of over $500 for all contributed property.

Instructions for Form 8283: You can also download a copy of these instructions (Adobe Acrobat).

Payment Voucher for Filing Fee Under Section 170(f)(13): Form 8283-V, Payment Voucher for Filing Fee Under Section 170(f)(13): Form 8283-V is a statement you send with your check or money order to pay the $500 filing fee required if you claim a deduction of more than $10,000 for a charitable contribution that:

  • Is an easement on the exterior of a building in a registered historic district, and
  • Is made after February 12, 2007.

A separate $500 filing fee is required for each contribution that meets these require ments. If you do not pay the fee, your deduction will not be allowed. You can download a copy of Form 8283-VPDF

You may choose to pay the fee electronically. If you do, you do not need to send in Form 8283-V. To find out how to pay electronically, go to www.irs.gov and enter “electronic payment of user fees” in the search box.

Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes

Instructions for Form 1098-C: You can also download a copy of these instructions.


Art Appraisal Services: The Art Advisory Panel assists the IRS by reviewing and evaluating property appraisals submitted by taxpayers in support of the fair market value claimed in works of art involved in Federal income, estate and gift tax cases in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code. The Panel members, 25 renowned art experts serve without compensation.

Revenue Procedure 96-15PDF:  Revenue Procedure 96-15 informs taxpayers how to request a Statement of Value from the Internal Revenue Service. The Statement of Value can be used to substantiate the value of art for income, estate, or gift tax purposes. A taxpayer that complies with the provisions of this revenue procedure may rely on the Statement of Value in completing the taxpayer's federal income tax, estate tax, or gift tax return that reports the transfer of art.


Tax Information for Contributors: A web page with links to topics of interest for contributors to charitable organizations.