Home › What do I do with… › Donating and taxes
Donating your stuff and taxes: what's true in 2026
Most people assume a bag of clothes at the thrift store is a tax write-off. For most households in 2026, it isn't. Here's what actually counts, how to keep records, and a free donation log you can print.
General information, not tax advice. Rules can change. Check IRS.gov or a tax professional before you file.
Quick check: will my donation lower my 2026 taxes?
The 2026 rules in plain English
- If you take the standard deduction: starting with 2026 returns you can deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 if married filing jointly) of cash gifts to qualified charities. Donated items such as clothes and furniture don't count toward this.
- If you itemize: cash and donated items can both count, but only the part of your total charitable giving above 0.5% of your adjusted gross income. With an AGI of $100,000, the first $500 of giving doesn't count.
- The charity has to qualify. Gifts to a person, a crowdfunding page or a for-profit resale shop are not deductible. You can look a charity up on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.
- Items must be in good used condition or better, and you can claim only what they'd sell for used today, not what you paid.
Records to keep for donated items
- Every donation: the charity's name, the date, where you dropped it off, and a list of what you gave. Photos of the items are an easy way to show their condition.
- $250 or more in a single donation: get a written acknowledgment from the charity before you file. Many donation centers hand you a receipt; ask for one.
- Over $500 in donated items for the year: you'll file IRS Form 8283 with your return.
- Over $5,000 for one item or a group of similar items: you generally need a qualified appraisal.
- Cars, boats and other vehicles have their own rules. The charity sends you a Form 1098-C, and your deduction usually depends on what it sells the vehicle for.
What is my stuff worth?
Use what similar items actually sell for at thrift stores in your area, in the same condition. IRS Publication 561 explains fair market value, and Publication 526 covers the deduction rules. Many large charities also publish value guides with typical used prices.
Printable donation log
Print this page or save it as a PDF, keep it with your tax papers, and fill in a line each time you drop something off.
| Date | Charity and location | What you gave | Condition | Value (used) | Receipt? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Prefer your phone? Use the free photo donation log.
Ready to give?
Find a place near you or browse the item guides.