Donate Wedding Dress

Ask the taxgirl: Wedding Dress Donations | taxgirl

by Kelly

Hi Taxgirl,

Like many women this year, I got married and now I would like to donate my dress to charity. What do I need to do for tax purposes? I paid 1000 for it new and only wore it once. It is in good condition. Do I need it appraised? I still have the receipts. If I send it to a charity, can I deduct the mailing cost? And can I deduct the cost of drycleaning it before I send it to the charity? Also, the charity resells the dresses at an auction/fundraiser and charges a $40 “processing” fee to help cover their expenses. Is this deductible?

Thanks for answering this question, I bet a lot of brides will appreciate your answer!

The new Mrs’s

What a great idea!

Generally, you can deduct the fair market value of property donated to a qualified charitable organization. When it comes to clothing, the clothing must be in good used condition or better – it sounds like your dress is nearly perfect.

Usually, the fair market value of used clothing is considerably less than the original price. Usually, you’ll opt for the “thrift store” value of the clothing – what you’d pay for the same item in a thrift store or on consignment.

In this case, however, you will need a written acknowledgment from the charity and, quite possibly, an appraisal. I’m not sure what the value of the dress would be, but assuming that it’s over $500, you’ll want a written determination of the value of the dress (an appraisal will do).

You can’t deduct the cost of dry cleaning the dress but I will say that I’d do that prior to an appraisal. The better an item looks, the higher it’s likely going to be valued. I’ve found this to be true with respect to a lot of artwork. Once cleaned or repaired, the value went up substantially.

Unfortunately, the fees for the appraisal are not deductible as a charitable contribution. But you can claim them as a miscellaneous itemized deduction on Schedule A; they will be subject to the 2% rule.

Read more...

Where to donate my old wedding dress in Arizona?

Feb 19, 2008 by EK | Posted in Fashion & Accessories

I tried to sell my old dress and have received no interest. The dress is pretty, just needs to be cleaned up a bit. I am no longer married to the same man and I do not need or want my old dress to drag! Where is a good place to donate old wedding dresses, Arizona? Thank you!

Twice as nice you give cash or cash in trade for other items in their stores. They have a website ... Check them.

Dress Donation wedding dresses
Wedding Jewelry. FIND A DRESS. Find a Bridal Salon. Northern ... Your wedding dress can be donated to Brides Against Breast Cancer/Making Memories Foundation. ...

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Provides an opportunity for metastatic breast cancer patients to fulfill a dream or wish.

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Don't Trash the Dress! home. regional activities. breast cancer facts. FAQs. press kit ... Make a pink envelope donation on behalf of your wedding guests ...

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