Your Donations Change Lives

When you donate your gently used goods in Goodwill Omaha’s retail stores, the revenue we generate from selling those items goes directly toward supporting our mission.

That means your donations have a direct impact on helping neighbors right here in our community get access to job training and placement programs, so they can find a new sense of independence and purpose.

Claim a Tax Deduction

According to Federal law, your monetary donations and donations of clothing and household goods that are in “good” condition or better are entitled to a tax deduction. The Internal Revenue Service requires that all charitable donations be itemized and valued.

Use the list of average prices below as a guide for determining the value of your donation. Values are approximate and are based on items in good condition.

It’s a good idea to check with your accountant or read up on the rules before you file your return. Here are some handy IRS tips for deducting charitable donations.

You may fill out a paper donation form when you bring items to one of our donation locations. The form is required if you are donating computers and other technology equipment so that we can comply with state reporting requirements. Thanks for taking the time to fill it out!

Tax Information

If you itemize deductions on your federal tax return, you may be entitled to claim a charitable deduction for your Goodwill donations. 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. By law, a charity cannot tell you what your donated items are worth. This is something you must do yourself. To assess “fair market value” for your donations:

Consult a local tax advisor who should be familiar with market values in your region

IRS Guidelines

Determining the Value of Donated Property — defines “fair market value” and helps donors and appraisers determine the value of property given to qualified organizations. It also explains what kind of information you must have to support the charitable contribution deduction you claim on your return. (Publication 561)

Charitable Contributions — explains which organizations are qualified to receive deductible charitable contributions, the types of contributions you can deduct, how much you can deduct, what records to keep, and how to report charitable contributions (Publication 526)

Internal revenue Service

Noncash Charitable Contributions — applies to deduction claims totaling more than $500 for all contributed items. If a donor is claiming over $5,000 in contribution value, there is a section labeled “Donee Acknowledgement” in Section B, Part IV of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 8283 that must be completed. The form and instructions are available on the IRS site and can be accessed through this link: IRS Tax Forms. A member of the management staff must verify that the donation receipts match the completed form and fill in the date of donation/s in this section. In addition, Goodwill’s name (Goodwill Retail Services, Inc.), store address, and identification number (39-2040239) must be completed. Management staff must also provide their signature, title, and the signature date. Finally, a copy of the completed Form/s 8283 should be forwarded to the Merchandise Analyst.

IRS Links for Forms and InstructionsIRS Tax Form 8283 is used to report information about noncash charitable contributions. Form 8282 is used to report information to the IRS and donors about dispositions of certain charitable deduction property made within three years after the donor contributed the property.

Goodwill will be happy to provide a receipt as substantiation for your contributions in good used condition only on the date of the donation.

Source: IRS Donating Guidelines

Donation Guidelines

We Accept The Following Items In Good, Gently Used Condition:
  • Accessories
    Back Packs, Belts, Billfolds, Boots, Gloves, Hats, Hip Packs, Mittens, Purses, Sandals, Scarves, Shoes, Ties
  • Books
    Hard Cover, Paperback, Textbooks, Magazines
  • Clothing
    Blouses, Blazers, Business Suits, Coats, Denim, Dresses, Flannel/Insulated Shirts, Jackets, Leotards, Night Gowns, Pants, Robes, Shirts, Shorts, Skirts, Sweaters, Swim Suits, Tights, Uniforms, Vests
  • Collectible Antiques
  • Computer and Computer Equipment
  • Electronic Entertainment Equipment
    Flat-screen TVs (no CRT/tube TVs), CD Players, DVD Players, Game Systems, Portable Stereos, Radios, VCRs, Walkmans
  • Exercise Equipment
    Aerobic Steps, Free Weights, Mats, Nordic Tracks, Roller Blades, Stationary Bikes, Stair Climbers
  • Furniture
    Bedframes-Head/Foot Boards (complete), Chairs, Coat Racks, Coffee Tables, Dinettes, Dressers, End Tables, Floor Lamps, Kitchen Tables, Love Seats, Mattress and Box Spring, Recliners, Sofas, Table Lamps
  • Hand Tools and Small Power Tools
    Air Tools, Buffers, Circle Saws, Drills, Hammers, Sanders, Screwdrivers, Table Saws, Wrenches
  • Household Decor & Accessories
    Bedspreads, Blankets, Area Rugs, Comforters, Curtains, Pillow Cases, Sheets, Towels, Valances, Wash Cloths, Baskets, Bells, Bowls, Clocks, Framed Pictures, Mugs, Paper Weights, Vases, Tins, Trays, Wicker, Wreaths
  • Jewelry
    Bracelets, Earrings, Necklaces, Pins, Rings, Watches
  • Kitchen Appliances & Utensils
    Baking Pans, Blenders, Dishes, Bread Makers, Coffee Makers, Hand-Held Mixers, Food Processors, Ice-Cream Makers, Juicers, Table-Top Mixers, Toasters, Utensils
  • Miscellaneous
    Eyeglasses, Ironing Boards, Lawnmowers (w/o fuel), Leaf Blowers (w/o fuel), Luggage, Records, Shades, Strollers, Tapes, Typewriters, Vacuums, Weedwackers (w/o fuel)
  • Outdoor Furnishings
    Benches, Chairs, BBQ Grills, Folding Tables and Chairs, Gliders, Lounge Chairs, Patio Sets, Tables, Umbrellas
  • Seasonal Items
    Artificial Christmas Trees, Wreaths, Holiday Decor
  • Sports/Outdoor Equipment
    Baseballs, Baseball Gloves, Bicycles, Children’s Swimming Pools, Footballs, Football Equipment, Golf Clubs, Golf Bags, Kickballs, Ping Pong Tables, Pool Tables (small), Racquetballs, Racquetball Rackets, Soccer Balls, Tennis Balls, Tennis Rackets, Tricycles, Wagons
  • Toys and Games
    Board Games, Outdoor Games, Puzzles, Stuffed Animals, Fisher-Price®, Little Tykes®, Playskool®
Sorry, We Cannot Accept:

Due To Federal And State Guidelines, Environmental Reasons, And The Fact That Items In Poor Condition Are Unable To Be Sold, Goodwill Unfortunately Cannot Accept Certain Donated Objects.

  • All Personal Care Items
    Appliances, Air Conditioners, Garbage Disposals, Refrigerators, CRT / tube TVs, Washer/ Dryer, Dishwashers
  • Hazardous/Automotive Waste
    Additives, Antifreeze, Bottled Gas, Gasoline, Lead Acid Batteries, Motors, Oil, Oil Tanks, Tires, Used Parts
  • Household/Garden Chemical Products
    Household Carpet, Pesticides, Paint, Paint Thinner, Drain Cleaner, Oven Cleaner, Aerosols, and Environmentally-Unfriendly Waste Products, All Cleaning Products
  • Household Items
    Bathtub Enclosures, Bed Springs, Car Seats, Central Heating/ Cooling Units, Console Stereos (over four feet), Cribs (with large spaces), Cabinets (built-in), Fluorescent Light Bulbs, Food, Furnaces, Hide-a-Beds/ Hospital Beds/Sofa Beds/ Water Beds, Mirrors without Frames
  • Miscellaneous
    All Vehicles including Boats/Cars/Truck Toppers, Car Seats, Ceramic Molds/ Kilns, Commercial Salon Hair Dryers, Fire Extinguishers, Items on Product Recall Lists, Play Pens, Swing Sets, Pianos, Organs
  • Office Equipment
    Industrial Copy Machines, Desks (metal or extra large), Large Office Machines, Telephone Systems
  • Outdoor Items
    Awnings, Chain Link Fences, Clothesline Posts, Lumber (used), Paneling, Railroad Ties, Storm Windows/Doors
  • Plumbing
    Fixtures (used), Guttering/Down Spouts, Pipes, Sump Pumps
  • Weapons
    Firearms/Ammunition