donation of collection of books

[Marie]

Taxpayer has a collections of books worth approx $50,000. He is considering donating them to a university and using it as a charitable donation. Form 8283 says an appraisal, from who? He should get a receipt from the school stating donation, date, and amount? Anything else to do? I haven't ever had a donation quite this large, and want to make sure I cross all my T's and dot my i's.

[MAMalody]

The appraisal should be from someone certified or qualifed to make said appraisal. It is possible the University insurance company may have someone available. Make sure the receipt indicates that no goods or sevices were received by the donor in exchange.