Is the guide legally binding?

The guide is a documentation tool for valuation and substantiation. It does not replace a formal appraisal when an independent valuation is required by tax rules.

Can I use an electronic signature?

Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, provided intent, consent, attribution, and retention requirements are met.

When is a qualified appraisal required?

A qualified appraisal is recommended when the claimed deduction exceeds applicable IRS thresholds; when in doubt consult a qualified appraiser and retain the report for substantiation.

What records should donors keep?

Donors should keep the signed guide, receipts, photos, appraisals, and any acknowledgments for at least the IRS-recommended period (see IRC §6501(a)) and longer where state law requires.

How do I correct a completed guide?

Document the correction with date, reason, and authorizing signature; retain prior versions and an audit trail showing who made changes and when.

Who signs the guide for the nonprofit?

A designated gift officer or authorized representative should sign and date the guide. For higher-value gifts, a second reviewer or board authorization may be advisable.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Charity
Donation Value Guide 2017

Donation Value Guide 2017

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

What the Donation Value Guide 2017 Covers

The Donation Value Guide 2017 is an informational template designed to help donors, preparers, and nonprofit staff determine and document the fair market value of donated property for U.S. tax and recordkeeping purposes. It consolidates common valuation approaches, identifies when a qualified appraisal is advisable, and outlines the substantiation and acknowledgment items typically required by the IRS and by professional accounting practices. The guide is not a formal appraisal; rather, it is a structured checklist and record for consistent, auditable documentation of donated assets and their estimated values.

Why a Standardized Donation Value Guide Matters

A consistent guide reduces errors, improves audit readiness, and clarifies when additional appraisal or documentation is necessary for IRS substantiation. It helps donors and recipients align on valuation assumptions and creates an auditable record for tax reporting and internal controls.

Who Typically Uses the Donation Value Guide 2017

Use of the guide promotes consistent valuation practices across stakeholders and simplifies follow-up if a tax authority requests further substantiation.

Individual donors preparing itemized deductions and substantiation for noncash gifts.
CPAs and tax preparers validating client deductions and attachment needs.
Nonprofit gift processing staff tracking incoming items and donor acknowledgments.

Step-by-Step: Completing the Donation Value Guide

Follow these sequential steps to ensure the guide is complete, verifiable, and consistent with IRS expectations for noncash contributions.

01

Gather Details: Collect receipts, photos, and prior appraisals.
02

Describe Asset: Record make, model, condition, and serial numbers.
03

Estimate Value: Document method and comparables used to set FMV.
04

Attach Evidence: Include photos, vendor listings, and appraiser statements.

Configuring the Guide for Online Completion

When you adapt the guide to a digital workflow, configure fields, required attachments, and signer roles to match your internal controls.

Field	Configuration
Donor Name	Required text field; auto-validate capitalization
Attachment	Require photo and receipt uploads; PDF and JPG allowed
Value Field	Numeric currency field with two decimal places
Signer Role	Collector or preparer assigned as required signer

Where to Send and How to Route Completed Guides

A clear routing path helps meet substantiation timelines and lets all parties retain required copies.

To the Charity: Keep one copy with the nonprofit's gift records.
To the Donor: Provide donor a signed copy for tax records.
Attach to Return: Attach Form 8283 to the donor's tax return when required.
Retain Backup: Store photos, receipts, and appraisal files securely.

Digital Delivery and Format Requirements

Ensure the chosen system supports secure storage, tamper-evident audit trails, and exportable copies for regulatory review.

File Formats: PDF or DOCX preferred for consistent rendering
Integrations: Connect to CRM or cloud storage for retention
Authentication: Use at least email or SMS signer verification

Key Deadlines and Timing Considerations

Track dates that affect tax reporting, appraisal needs, and donor substantiation to avoid late filing or deduction denial.

Form 8283 Attachment:

Attach when noncash gifts exceed $500; follow return deadline

Tax Return Deadline:

Individual returns due April 15 (Oct 15 extension available)

Qualified Appraisal Threshold:

Obtain appraisal when deduction for item exceeds $5,000

Donor Acknowledgment:

Provide acknowledgment for contributions $250 or more

Record Retention:

Keep substantiation for the applicable statutory period

Milestones in a Donation Valuation Workflow

Track these sequential milestones to ensure timely valuation, acknowledgement, and retention.

01

Gift Intake

Document date received and condition; capture photos

02

Initial Valuation

Estimate FMV and note method and sources

03

Appraisal Trigger

Obtain qualified appraisal when statutory threshold met

04

Final Acknowledgment

Issue donor acknowledgment and store supporting files

Common Risks and Potential Penalties

Incorrect Reporting: May trigger IRC §6721 penalties

Deduction Denial: IRS may disallow the claimed deduction

Intentional Disregard: Higher penalty amounts may apply

Insufficient Evidence: Lack of appraisal can lead to challenges

Recordkeeping Failure: Complicates audit response and substantiation

Reputational Risk: Donor and nonprofit credibility can be affected

How the Guide Differs from a Formal Appraisal

Compare the Donation Value Guide 2017 to a professional appraisal to determine when each is appropriate.

Criteria	Donation Value Guide	Formal Appraisal
Purpose	recordkeeping and estimate	independent valuation opinion
Evidence Required	photos, receipts	qualified appraiser report
Tax Weight	supportive documentation	stronger substantiation
Cost	low to no cost	typically higher fees

eSignature Pricing Context for Completing and Storing the Guide

Choose an eSignature provider that supports the guide's workflows, preserves audit trails, and meets compliance needs; pricing and caps vary by vendor.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Trial available	Trial available	Trial available	Trial available
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Frequently Asked Questions About the Donation Value Guide 2017

Answers to common questions about documentation, electronic signatures, appraisals, and recordkeeping for donated property.

Need help? Contact support

Is the guide legally binding?
The guide is a documentation tool for valuation and substantiation. It does not replace a formal appraisal when an independent valuation is required by tax rules.
Can I use an electronic signature?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, provided intent, consent, attribution, and retention requirements are met.
When is a qualified appraisal required?
A qualified appraisal is recommended when the claimed deduction exceeds applicable IRS thresholds; when in doubt consult a qualified appraiser and retain the report for substantiation.
What records should donors keep?
Donors should keep the signed guide, receipts, photos, appraisals, and any acknowledgments for at least the IRS-recommended period (see IRC §6501(a)) and longer where state law requires.
How do I correct a completed guide?
Document the correction with date, reason, and authorizing signature; retain prior versions and an audit trail showing who made changes and when.
Who signs the guide for the nonprofit?
A designated gift officer or authorized representative should sign and date the guide. For higher-value gifts, a second reviewer or board authorization may be advisable.

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