IRS rules for Goodwill donations require that items be in "good used condition or better" to be tax-deductible. Donors must itemize deductions and estimate the fair market value (FMV)—typically the price a buyer would pay in a thrift store—for clothing and household goods. A receipt is required for all donations, with specific forms (Form 8283) needed for donations exceeding $500.
According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a taxpayer can deduct the fair market value of clothing, household goods, used furniture, shoes, books and so forth. Fair market value is the price a willing buyer would pay for them. Value usually depends on the condition of the item.
For any contribution of $250 or more (including contributions of cash or property), you must obtain and keep in your records a contemporaneous written acknowledgment from the qualified organization indicating the amount of the cash and a description of any property other than cash contributed.
Guidelines for Monetary Donations
The record must show the name of the charity and the date and amount of the contribution. Bank records include canceled checks, and bank, credit union and credit card statements. Bank or credit union statements should show the name of the charity, the date, and the amount paid.
100% Deduction (No Limit) – Donations to funds like the National Defense Fund, Prime Minister's National Relief Fund, National Foundation for Communal Harmony, and National/State Blood Transfusion Council qualify for a full 100% tax deduction without any limit.
Donating clothing doesn't just help Goodwill—it helps your community. “Clothing makes up about 60% of our sales floor,” Julie explains. “So every item donated helps generate store revenue, which funds our workforce programs and community services.” And it's not just about what sells in stores.
Over $250: Cash donations of $250 or more require a receipt from the charitable organization or certain payroll deduction records. The receipt, also called a contemporaneous written acknowledgment must be in writing and include: The amount of your cash contribution.
The "33 rule" for nonprofits usually refers to the IRS Public Support Test, requiring 501(c)(3) public charities to show they receive at least one-third (33 1/3%) of their support from the general public or other public charities over a five-year rolling period, distinguishing them from private foundations by ensuring broad community reliance. This is crucial for maintaining public charity status, involves reporting on Form 990 Schedule A, and can be passed through meeting the 10% "facts and circumstances" test if the main test is missed.
No, Goodwill doesn't have a strict limit on the number or type of acceptable items you can donate (like clothing, household goods, books), but they can't accept broken, dirty, or hazardous items, and large furniture might be restricted by location. For tax purposes, donations over $500 (or $5,000 for certain items) require specific IRS forms (like Form 8283) and detailed documentation, with large amounts often needing a professional appraisal.
It's easier than ever to track your Goodwill donations by eliminating your paper receipts. Once you register, and every time you donate your receipts will be filed here electronically. And, at tax time, simply log into your account and print your yearly Goodwill donations summary! It's that simple.
You can deduct the fair market value of your Goodwill donations, but you must itemize deductions and keep records, with specific IRS forms (Form 8283) required for non-cash contributions over $500, including appraisals for single items or groups exceeding $5,000. Keep detailed lists and receipts, as the IRS requires you to determine the value (what a willing buyer would pay) for gently used items in good condition or better, with Goodwill not allowed to assess value for you.
Your donations help people who are unemployed or under-employed gain new skills and find jobs they can grow in. You're also helping preserve the planet by ensuring more items stay in circulation longer.
Use caution when claiming on tax without receipts
If you don't have much in the way of deductible claims to make on your tax, you should not automatically claim an amount up to the $300 limit just because you can. The same applies for the $150 limit for laundry and the small expenses limit of $200.
The IRS allows you to deduct fair market value for gently-used items. The quality of the item when new and its age must be considered. The IRS requires an item to be in good condition or better to take a deduction. Our donation value guide displays prices ranging from good to like-new.
People giving plasma are typically paid $30 to $70 per donation, but some centers are paying $100 or more as of June 2025. With incentives, you can make $400 or more a month. Certain high-frequency donors can make up to $1,000 a month. Donor fees vary by area and center.
Common Challenges in Claiming 80G Deductions
Donations to the National Government (including its agencies and instrumentalities) and to qualified non-profit institutions, subject to certain documentary and registration requirements, are fully exempt from donor's tax. (These are not “relatives” per se, but are among the recognized exceptions.)
1.5 lakh during the year to an organisation that is eligible for 50% deduction up to the 10% limit of net taxable income. So, the maximum 80G deduction allowed will Rs. 1 lakh i.e. 10% of the net taxable income, (even if you have donated a higher amount) for the year. However, 50% of the amount contributed i.e. Rs.