Non-profit thrift stores like Goodwill and The Salvation Army operate exclusively from donations of people in their community just like you.
Most people usually think about donating clothes, but there are many more items stores are happy to take off your hands – plus, you’ll get a tax deduction! Here are some other ideas to get you thinking next time you declutter the house.
Furniture
Consider donating your couch or bed when you buy a new one, or perhaps finally get rid of the armchair that didn’t fit in your living room and now lives in the garage. Keep in mind, household goods must be in good used condition or better to qualify for deductions for Goodwill donations.
Electronics
From that keyboard that is collecting dust in your kid’s room to that iPod you never use anymore, you can donate! As long as the item is still in working condition, you may be able to be write it off.
Artwork
Donating a painting or sculpture can also lead to tax deductions. Keep in mind, your tax deduction is equivalent to the market value price of the piece, not the price you paid for it. Special rules apply for certain items of artwork.
Kitchenware
Clear out those old kitchen items that you never use, like dishes, pots/pans, and kitchen utensils. The “mismatched” dinnerware look is in, so plates are usually in high demand. All of these items may be tax deductible when you donate them.
Your Car
Many charities accept cars as a tax-deductible donation! Ensure the charity is a qualified organization with the IRS first. The maximum amount you can deduct on your tax return is the fair market value of your car, meaning the price a willing buyer would pay and a willing seller would accept for the car.
Be sure to review all of the IRS record-keeping and filing requirements ahead of time.
Sporting Goods
Do you have old sporting goods you no longer use or have space for? Sporting goods that you donate to Goodwill and other qualifying organizations can be deducted on your tax return. From golf clubs and bicycles to ski equipment and snowboards, various sporting goods qualify as tax-deductible donations.
Books
Collecting books is a fun hobby, but it can quickly become overwhelming. If you’re running out of space in your home library or moving into a smaller home, consider donating your old books for a Goodwill tax deduction. When you donate books, you make diverse literature more accessible to people in your community.
Movies & Media
You probably have old movies you haven’t watched in years or CDs you don’t listen to — so think about getting rid of them. Donating movies and media means you’re eligible for tax deductions, and you can provide affordable entertainment for families near you.
Jewelry
Donating jewelry is one of the best ways to help underprivileged people in your community. Jewelry is often worn on special occasions, but it can be very expensive. Donating to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army helps people find affordable jewelry for special events.
Bedding & Linens
If you recently upgraded your bedding and linens, don’t get rid of your old bedding. Sleep plays an essential role in healthy living, so give someone the gift of a good night’s sleep with comfortable bedding. You can even donate gently used towels, tablecloths, and curtains to make home decor shopping more affordable.
Bags & Luggage
When you decide to invest in new luggage, donate your old luggage to help people who are traveling on a budget. Luggage can be very expensive, and people who don’t travel often may not have any luggage at all. Your bags and luggage may allow someone to go on a small family vacation or take an important business trip.
Large Appliances
From refrigerators to stoves and everything in between, organizations like Goodwill and Salvation Army are happy to accept large appliances. Donating large appliances is an easy way to make room for your new appliances while helping local homeowners find affordable appliances for their homes.
Toys & Games
Kids outgrow toys and games fast. Whether you have old toys and games from your childhood or you’re getting rid of toys your children don’t use, you can donate them for a tax write-off. As long as you’re donating to a qualified charitable organization, you can donate anything from board games to video games.
What types of donations aren’t eligible for a deduction?
You can write off many charitable donations you make to organizations like Goodwill and Salvation Army, but the following donations aren’t eligible for a deduction.
- Cash donations with no receipt
- Donations to non-qualified organizations
- Money spent on fundraisers
- Person-to-person donations
- Political donations
- Promises and pledges
There are also special rules if you’re supporting your alma mater through charitable donations. Before donating or claiming a charitable donation tax deduction, consider getting help from a tax expert.
How do you write off tax-deductible donations?
While many charitable donations are deductible, there are rules you must follow. ou’ll need to claim an itemized deduction. An itemized deduction allows you to deduct individual expenses on your tax return — including your charitable donations.
Here’s another tip – use ItsDeductible to track your charitable donations and import them into TurboTax at the end of the year.
No matter what moves you made last year, TurboTax will make them count on your taxes. Whether you want to do your taxes yourself or have a TurboTax expert file for you, we’ll make sure you get every dollar you deserve and your biggest possible refund – guaranteed.
