Harry Gross: Church won't OK donation

Dear Harry: A church near my home had a Christmas bazaar. I was downsizing at the time and donated 40 bags of quality merchandise for sale. I attached my business card to each bag. I was told that I'd get a letter from the church confirming the donation. I received nothing. I have gone to the rectory at least three times. Each time, I was met by a deacon who tells me that the pastor is "looking into it." I think this guy is "running interference" for the pastor, because I still have nothing. I would like to take a tax deduction of about $2,000 for the value of the merchandise, but I have no confirmation. What do I have to do to get the deduction?

What Harry says: Step 1 is to write a letter to the pastor insisting on confirmation. Send it by certified mail with a return requested. If you still have no confirmation by tax-filing time, attach a copy of the letter and receipt to your 1040 as additional evidence for the deduction. When you file your return, be sure to attach a Form 8283. Donations of property are a tricky class. Intangibles are handled differently from tangibles. Property to be used by the organization for its charitable purpose are handled differently from that which is not (autos and artwork, for example). Some property donations even require that a formal appraisal be attached to your return.

Write Harry Gross c/o the Daily News, 400 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19130. Harry urges all his readers to give blood: Contact the American Red Cross at 800-GIVE LIFE.