Tax Rules for Gifts of Personal Property

Understand tax rules for gifts of public property and how churches can assist donors with compliance.

Last Reviewed: January 23, 2025

This article is the second of a two-part series on substantiating noncash gifts. Part one is on noncash real property.

Q: What are the tax rules for gifts of public property, and how can churches ensure compliance while assisting donors with proper documentation?


The tax rules for noncash donations, including gifts of public property, can be more complex than those for cash contributions. Noncash property encompasses a wide range of items, from clothing and furniture to vehicles, artwork, and publicly traded stock. Understanding these rules is essential for churches to guide donors and comply with IRS regulations.

What Is Public Property for Donation Purposes?

Public property donations often refer to items of tangible value, such as vehicles, boats, airplanes, artwork, or other assets that may require special tax reporting. For instance, donating a vehicle requires filing Form 1098-C, while large gifts of property exceeding $5,000 require appraisals and additional IRS forms.

Tax Rules by Value Tier for Noncash Donations

Noncash Gifts of Less than $250

For gifts below $250, there is no specific requirement for a receipt from the church or charity. However, providing a written acknowledgment is encouraged, as it strengthens donor relationships. This acknowledgment should include a description of the donated item but not its value, as the donor is responsible for determining the fair market value.

Noncash Gifts Valued from $250 to $500

Gifts in this tier require a written acknowledgment from the charity. The acknowledgment must include:

  • The organization’s name;
  • The date and location of the contribution;
  • A description of the property donated.

If a donor makes multiple contributions of $250 or more, they must receive either individual acknowledgments for each gift or a summary acknowledgment listing all contributions.

Noncash Gifts Valued Over $500 but Not More Than $5,000

Donors whose gifts exceed $500 but fall under $5,000 must file Section A of Form 8283 with their tax returns. Along with the form, donors must maintain written records that include:

  • How the donor acquired the property (purchase, gift, inheritance, etc.);
  • The date the property was acquired;
  • The cost or other basis of the property.

Churches should assist donors by providing clear instructions and ensuring receipts meet IRS requirements.

Noncash Gifts Valued Over $5,000

For noncash gifts exceeding $5,000, donors must complete Section B of Form 8283 and obtain a qualified appraisal. The appraisal must meet IRS standards and be performed by a certified appraiser. The church’s representative must also sign Form 8283 to acknowledge receipt of the gift but is not responsible for agreeing to the valuation.

Noncash Donations Exceeding $500,000

Rare gifts valued over $500,000 require Form 8283 and the full appraisal to be attached to the donor’s tax return. This also applies to art valued at $20,000 or more and other specialized property types. Churches should encourage donors to work with tax professionals to ensure compliance with these complex rules.

When Churches Must File Form 8282

If a church sells, exchanges, or disposes of donated property valued at more than $500 within three years of receipt, it must file Form 8282 with the IRS. This form must be submitted within 125 days of the disposal. Note that vehicles, boats, and airplanes have unique reporting requirements.

Best Practices for Churches

  • Provide accurate and timely receipts for all noncash donations.
  • Train employees to understand IRS requirements and guide donors appropriately.
  • Maintain copies of tax forms and know where to access them online.
  • Encourage donors to seek professional tax advice for high-value or complex donations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies as public property for donation purposes?

Public property donations often include vehicles, boats, airplanes, artwork, and other tangible assets with significant value.

What forms are required for donations exceeding $5,000?

Donors must complete Section B of Form 8283 and obtain a qualified appraisal for donations over $5,000.

When does a church need to file Form 8282?

If the church disposes of donated property valued over $500 within three years, it must file Form 8282 within 125 days of the disposal.

Can churches assist donors with tax compliance?

Yes, churches can guide donors by providing clear instructions, signing required forms, and encouraging them to seek professional advice.

For more detailed guidance, refer to IRS Publication 526 and IRS Publication 561.

This content is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. "From a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations." Due to the nature of the U.S. legal system, laws and regulations constantly change. The editors encourage readers to carefully search the site for all content related to the topic of interest and consult qualified local counsel to verify the status of specific statutes, laws, regulations, and precedential court holdings.

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