How to file IRS Form 8283 for noncash charitable donations

Most people know they can deduct charitable donations, but when it comes to noncash items, the rules get tricky, and that’s where IRS Form 8283 comes in.

This form helps you claim those bigger noncash donations the right way. It’s not the kind of paperwork you want to guess your way through, especially if the value goes over $500 or even $5,000. The IRS wants details, and if you miss a step, you might lose out on a deduction you deserve.

What is IRS Form 8283 and who needs to file it?

IRS Form 8283 is the form you use when you donate stuff, not money, to a qualified nonprofit. We’re talking about things like clothes, cars, equipment, art, or anything else that’s considered property. If the total value of what you donated during the year is more than $500, the IRS wants to hear about it, and this form is how you tell them.

Now, if the value of any single item or group of similar items is more than $5,000, the form gets a little more serious. That’s when you might need to include a qualified appraisal and fill out a different section of the form. It’s not hard once you understand the parts, it’s just about knowing what to include and when.

You usually file Form 8283 right along with your regular tax return. If you use tax software, it should walk you through it. But even then, it helps to understand the why behind each section, especially if you want to make sure you’re doing it right and not missing out on a charitable contribution deduction.

And don’t worry, if this feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. We’ve worked with plenty of folks who weren’t sure what counted, or if their donation “qualified.” That’s why we’re breaking it down, step by step.

Types of noncash donations that require Form 8283

Not all donations are cash, and that’s where things get interesting. When you give away stuff instead of money, it’s called a noncash charitable contribution, and it’s exactly what Form 8283 is made for.

So, what kind of stuff are we talking about? Here are a few common examples:

• Clothing and household items – Gently used jackets, furniture, kitchenware, these are super common donations.
• Vehicles – Cars, boats, motorcycles. If you hand over the keys, you’ll likely need this form.
• Art and collectibles – Paintings, sculptures, antiques, especially if they’re valuable.
• Real estate – Land or property donated to a nonprofit.
• Stocks or publicly traded securities – Yep, even shares can count.
• Business equipment or inventory – If you run a business and donate items, those can be included too.

If you donated any of these and the total value goes over $500, you’re in Form 8283 territory. If a single item (or a group of similar items) adds up to more than $5,000, you’ll need some extra steps like an appraisal.

Here’s the big thing to remember: it’s not about what you paid for the item, it’s about what it’s worth now. That’s what the IRS cares about, and that’s why this form exists.

How to complete Form 8283

Filling out Form 8283 can feel like a lot, but once you know which part applies to you, it’s totally manageable. The form has two main sections: Section A and Section B. Which one you use depends on the value and type of what you donated.

Section A: Donations under $5,000 and publicly traded securities

Most people only need Section A. If the total value of your noncash donations is over $500 but under $5,000, this is your spot. You’ll also use Section A if you donated publicly traded securities, like stocks.

Here’s what you’ll need to include:

• A short description of the donated item
• When you got it and how (did you buy it, inherit it, etc.)
• What you originally paid for it (your cost or basis)
• Its fair market value now (what it’s worth today)
• How you figured out that value

Think of this as a snapshot of what you gave, when, and how much it’s worth today.

Section B: Donations over $5,000

This part is for bigger donations, anything over $5,000 (except for publicly traded securities). If that’s you, you’ll need:

• A qualified appraisal (more on that in the next section)
• The appraiser’s details and signature
• A signed acknowledgment from the organization that received the donation
• Details about how and when you got the item

Section B is more detailed because the IRS wants to be sure the donation’s value is legit. But don’t worry, it’s doable, especially if you stay organized.

We’ve worked with donors who were nervous about this part, but once you get through it the first time, it’s no big deal. Just take it one box at a time.

When is a qualified appraisal required?

Here’s where things get a little more official. If your donation (or group of similar items) is worth more than $5,000, the IRS wants more than just your word on the value, they want a qualified appraisal.

A qualified appraisal is a written report from someone who knows how to professionally figure out what your donated item is actually worth. This person can’t be your friend, family member, or someone with a personal interest in your taxes. The appraiser has to be experienced, independent, and meet IRS standards.

You'll need this appraisal done before you file your taxes, and usually within 60 days of the donation. It needs to describe the item, explain how the value was calculated, and be signed by both you and the appraiser.

There are some exceptions. You don’t need an appraisal if you’re donating publicly traded securities, those already have a market value. But for things like cars, artwork, jewelry, or equipment, an appraisal is often required.

We’ve seen people skip this step because they didn’t know it was necessary, and they ended up losing the deduction. Don’t let that happen. If your donation crosses the $5,000 line, play it safe and get the appraisal done early.

What to include when filing Form 8283

When it’s time to send in your taxes, Form 8283 goes right along with your regular tax return, but it’s not just about filling in a few blanks. You’ll need to include supporting documents that show the IRS your donation was real and valued correctly.

Here’s what to have ready:

• The completed Form 8283 ,  filled out clearly, with either Section A or Section B (or both) depending on your donation.
• A qualified appraisal, if your donation is over $5,000 (except for publicly traded securities).
• A receipt or acknowledgment from the organization that received your donation.
• Signatures where needed, yours, the appraiser’s, and the charity’s (for Section B).

If you’re using tax software, it should prompt you to upload or attach everything during the process. If you’re mailing your return, double-check that all pages and attachments are included. The IRS won’t chase you down for missing pieces, they’ll just deny the deduction.

We’ve worked with donors who had everything ready but forgot to actually attach the appraisal or get the charity’s signature. Those little details can make a big difference. Before you file, take a moment to make sure it’s all there.

Common mistakes to avoid when filing Form 8283

We’ve seen a lot of folks get tripped up on this form, not because they’re careless, but because the details can sneak up on you. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when filing Form 8283 (and how to avoid them):

• Forgetting the appraisal – If your donation is over $5,000 and not a publicly traded security, you must include a qualified appraisal. Skipping it is one of the quickest ways to lose the deduction.
• Using the wrong section – Section A is for most donations under $5,000. Section B is for bigger ones. It’s easy to check the wrong box or fill out the wrong part if you’re rushing.
• Leaving out the donee acknowledgment – In Section B, the organization you donated to has to sign the form. Missing this signature can lead to delays or rejection.
• Not describing the property clearly – Vague descriptions like “miscellaneous items” won’t cut it. Be specific: “five dining chairs and a wooden table” is better than “furniture.”
• Guessing the value – The IRS expects fair market value, not what you think it’s worth. That’s why documentation and appraisals matter.
• Forgetting to attach the form to your tax return – Whether you’re e-filing or mailing it in, Form 8283 has to go with your return. It’s not something you send separately.

We’ve helped people fix these issues after the fact, but it’s always easier to get it right the first time. When in doubt, slow down, double-check, and ask for help if you need it.

Tax planning tips for high-value donations

Giving generously is always a good thing, but if you’re donating items worth more than $5,000, a little tax planning can go a long way. We’ve seen donors get the most out of their gifts just by thinking a step ahead.

Here are a few smart moves to consider:

• Get your appraisal early – Don’t wait until tax season. If you know you’ll be donating something valuable, get the appraisal within 60 days of the donation so you’re not scrambling later.
• Keep detailed records – Save receipts, photos, emails, anything that shows what you gave, when, and to whom. The more organized you are, the easier it’ll be to file, and defend your deduction if the IRS ever asks.
• Group similar items – If you’re donating a collection (like books, tools, or clothes), you can report them together. But remember, if the total value exceeds $5,000, you still need a qualified appraisal.
• Use donation tracking tools – Platforms make it simple to log your donations throughout the year. That way, nothing gets forgotten come tax time.
• Talk to a tax pro – Especially if you’re making large or complex donations like real estate, artwork, or business assets. A quick chat can save you money and headaches.

Planning ahead doesn’t have to be complicated, it just means you’re thinking about both the impact of your gift and the benefit to your bottom line. And we think that’s pretty smart.

Staying organized

Filing IRS Form 8283 might seem like one more tax-season chore, but it’s actually an opportunity, one that lets you make the most of your generosity. Whether you’re donating a few valuable items or giving something big like a vehicle or artwork, this form is your way of making sure the IRS recognizes your contribution.

The key is to stay organized, understand which section applies to your donation, and gather the right paperwork ahead of time. With just a little planning, you can avoid the most common mistakes and feel confident that your noncash charitable contributions are filed the right way.

At Harness, we’ve worked with a lot of donors and nonprofits who want to give with purpose, and keep things simple. While we don’t provide tax services, we understand how powerful organized giving can be. If you're looking for tools that help you manage donations, connect with your community, and grow your impact, Harness is here to support that mission.