If you donate valuable items to charity, you may be required to get an appraisal. The IRS requires donors and charitable organizations to supply certain information to prove their right to deduct charitable contributions. If you donate an item of property (or a group of similar items) worth more than $5,000, certain appraisal requirements apply. You must: Get a “qualified appraisal,” Receive the qualified appraisal before your tax return is due, Attach an “appraisal summary” to the first tax return on which the deduction is claimed, Include other information with the return, and Maintain certain records. Keep these definitions in mind. A qualified appraisal is a complex and detailed document. It must be prepared and signed by a qualified appraiser. An appraisal summary is a summary of a...