Form 8283 is used to report noncash charitable contributions, including gifts of property, tangible personal property, real estate, vehicles, art, collectibles, and digital assets. It is not used for cash contributions, out-of-pocket expenses for volunteer work, or donations made by check or credit card—those are treated as cash contributions. Form 8283 is an appraisal summary and not a substitute for a qualified appraisal, which is required for any noncash gift valued at more than $5,000.
Who Must File Form 8283
- Individuals: Must file Form 8283 if claiming a deduction for noncash contributions exceeding $5,000. For gifts of clothing or household items not in good used condition and valued over $500, Section B must also be filed.
- Partnerships and S corporations: Must file Form 8283 if claiming a deduction for noncash gifts over $500. If the total contribution for any item or group of similar items exceeds $5,000, Section B must be completed. A copy must be provided to each partner or shareholder receiving an allocation.
- C corporations: Must file Form 8283 only if claiming a deduction over $5,000 per item or group of similar items. Personal service corporations and closely held corporations must file if the deduction exceeds $500.
Which Section to Complete
- Section A: For noncash contributions valued at $5,000 or less. No qualified appraisal is required.
- Section B: Required for contributions valued over $5,000. Must include a written qualified appraisal by a qualified appraiser. Section B must also be used for:
- Single articles of clothing or household items not in good used condition and valued over $500.
- Partial interests in property (e.g., remainder interest in a residence or farm, undivided portion of property).
- Restricted use property (e.g., conditions placed on use of donated property).
Part II: Partial Interests and Restricted Use Property
Complete Part II only if you contributed less than the entire interest in the property (e.g., remainder interest, fractional gift). Line 4b requires the total amount claimed as a deduction for this and prior years for the same partial interest. Line 4c is completed if the prior year’s donee organization differs from the current one.
Part V: Donee Acknowledgment
The donee organization must complete and sign Part V. The acknowledgment must be signed by an official authorized to sign the organization’s tax returns or a designated representative. The donor must provide the donee with at least their name, identifying number, and description of the donated property before submission. If the donee cannot sign, a detailed explanation must be attached to avoid disallowance of the deduction.
Reductions to Deduction
Deductions may be reduced if the donated property is:
- Ordinary income property.
- Capital gain property contributed to certain private nonoperating foundations (unless qualified appreciated stock).
- Intellectual property or certain taxidermy property.
- Tangible personal property used for an unrelated purpose by the charity.
- Sold, exchanged, or disposed of by the charity within the year of donation and no certification of exempt use (e.g., Form 8282) was filed.
A statement showing how reductions were calculated must be attached to the tax return.
Source:
Form 8283
Disclaimer: Always verify details with current Federal or State Department of Revenue Forms and Instructions. For complex situations, consult a CPA or tax attorney.