Goals:

• Donate your unneeded items to others who can use it!


• Get rid of your clutter! Recycling feels good!

What do I donate?

• Clothing-Should be stylish, clean, not damaged or stained.


• Toys-Engage your children by encouraging them to donate their old toys to children who are less fortunate. After birthdays and holidays is an ideal time to clean out. Children are more willing to give up old toys if they have new ones to replace them.


• Household items-Should be clean and not broken.

Non-profit agencies:

• Agencies that accept donations are Goodwill, Salvation Army, Reuzit Stores, local shelters, thrift stores, etc. There may be other agencies in your area that can be found in the yellow or blue pages of the phone book.


• Some agencies do not accept selected items such as old computers, etc.


• Some agencies will pick up large items. You will need to document the donation if they don’t give you a receipt.


• If you donate items to your church or synagogue, keep the request from the newsletter or bulletin and attach the list of items or receipts to that request for tax purposes.

Tax credit basics (non-profit agencies):

• If you itemize your taxes (i.e. use 1040), you may be eligible to deduct your donations. Consult a tax accountant for details and applications.


• You must file form 8283-Noncash Charitable Contributions with your 1040.


• You will need to estimate the fair market value of the items. Use Publication 526-Charitable Contributions and Publication 561-Determining the Value of Donated Property for further information. If you use TurboTax, the fair market value is computed for you.


• Go to www.salvationnarmyusa.org for valuation ranges of donated goods.


• Go to IRS website at www.irs.gov for details.

Consignment Shops:

• When you take items to consignment shops, the owner will choose what they will and will not take. Some shops may be choosier than others.


• Typically, you receive a portion of the profits or a credit to spend at the shop. You cannot use the value of these items as a tax credit.

Vali G. Heist