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Level 5
April 25, 2020
Solved

Donation of School Supplies

  • April 25, 2020
  • 2 replies
  • 40 views

Client donated Back To School Supplies to approved organization.  It's not a cash donation, so how is this classified?  As Household Items and Clothing?  I don't see another classification in the limited drop down list.  I've never had anyone donate anything outside of the "normal" list.  I've reviewed the IRS publication and there's no specific direction for classifying this type of donation.

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Best answer by Happy-Tax

I think this is the answer for which you're looking:

Any contribution involving the payment of money to or on behalf of a charity is considered a cash contribution, whether it is in the form of cash, check, credit card, payroll deduction, out-of-pocket expense, student living expense, or foster parent  expense. For example, if the taxpayer purchases food or new clothing using cash, check, or a charge card and donates these items to the charity, this donation is considered a cash donation. A noncash contribution is a donation of property owned by the taxpayer. [Source: The TaxBook, pg 4-16]

If the clients purchased the school supplies specifically for the school and donated them to the school, it's the equivalent of a cash donation. If the clients already owned school supplies which they contributed to the school, I would use the generic (a)  Household items & clothing. 

2 replies

Happy-Tax
Happy-TaxAnswer
Level 5
April 25, 2020

I think this is the answer for which you're looking:

Any contribution involving the payment of money to or on behalf of a charity is considered a cash contribution, whether it is in the form of cash, check, credit card, payroll deduction, out-of-pocket expense, student living expense, or foster parent  expense. For example, if the taxpayer purchases food or new clothing using cash, check, or a charge card and donates these items to the charity, this donation is considered a cash donation. A noncash contribution is a donation of property owned by the taxpayer. [Source: The TaxBook, pg 4-16]

If the clients purchased the school supplies specifically for the school and donated them to the school, it's the equivalent of a cash donation. If the clients already owned school supplies which they contributed to the school, I would use the generic (a)  Household items & clothing. 

Level 5
April 25, 2020

Perfect!  That paragraph went right past me.  I guess I had tunnel vision when looking for specifics.  Thank you so much for your help!!!  Much appreciated!