Traditionally, the holidays bring donations to charities and nonprofits, who benefit from people’s giving spirits and from a year-end tax deadline. However, this season’s struggling economy and high unemployment rates may cause people to tighten their grip on their checkbooks.

Donating gently-used items to Goodwill is a form of charity that doesn’t cost any money. Because Goodwill is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, donations to Goodwill (both cash and non-cash) qualify for a federal income tax deduction. Taxpayers able to itemize their 2009 taxes are able to claim their donation as a charitable contribution. However, Donations must be made by December 31, 2009 in order to be eligible for a 2010 income tax deduction.

Goodwill accepts donations of new and gently-used clothing, household items, furniture, and even cars. The revenue earned from the re-sale of these items is used to help people with disabilities and other disadvantages.

Goodwill provides donation receipts to donors at its retail and donation centers, however donors interested in claiming a tax deduction should keep itemized lists of their donations. The Internal Revenue Service allows a deduction for each item, and donors-not the stores– are expected to determine each item’s value when calculating their tax deductions.

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida helps people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. Goodwill’s programs and services include six Job-Link offices, twelve apartment complexes for people with disabilities and for low-income seniors, the Four Wheels for Work vehicle assistance program, and a charter school for students with developmental disabilities, the Goodwill L.I.F.E. Academy.

To learn more about Goodwill’s programs and services, call (239) 995-2106, or for a complete list of Goodwill’s locations and hours, visit www.goodwillswfl.org.

Source: Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida