13 Tax-Deductible Donations That Aren’t Clothes

Non-profit thrift stores like Goodwill and The Salvation Army operate exclusively with donations from people in their community, just like you. But there are also benefits you can enjoy when you give back.

For 2025 and beyond, this tax benefit isn’t just available to those who itemize, either. As part of the One Big Beautiful Bill’s (OBBBA) tax reform, individuals who take the standard deduction can now also deduct up to $1,000 (if single) or $2,000 (if married filing jointly) for charitable contributions.

Take advantage of this write-off while decluttering your house. Aside from clothing, here are some other ideas for what you can donate.

Key takeaways

• Other than clothing, you can also write off donations for your car, furniture, appliances, toys, and more.
• Starting in 2026, you no longer have to itemize in order to write off charitable donations. This is due to changes established by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.If you’re taking the standard deduction, you can deduct up to $1,000 as a single filer or up to $2,000 if you’re married filing jointly.
• You still can’t write off donations to political campaigns and fundraisers, or those made to another individual or non-qualified organizations.

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 iPad you never use anymore, you can donate! As long as the item is still in working condition, you may be able to 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 fair 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

If you’re itemizing, the OBBBA also established a minimum for how much you have to donate in order to be able to claim a write-off. Beginning in 2026, you can only deduct charitable giving that exceeds 0.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).

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.

For those who are itemizing deductions, you can only write off the portion of your annual donations that exceeds 0.5% of your AGI. If your AGI is $70,000, you can only deduct donations in excess of $350.

Previously, you had to itemize in order to deduct donations. But on July 4, 2025, the OBBA passed, allowing taxpayers who aren’t itemizing to also write off charitable contributions. Starting in 2026, you’ll be able to write off charitable donations of up to $1,000 if you’re a single filer or up to $2,000 if you’re married filing jointly.

With these additional donation write-offs and the increased standard deduction permanently in place, you can significantly reduce your taxable income when you file. For help determining whether you should claim the standard or itemized deduction in addition to writing off your donations, use our free calculator.

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.