If you’re thinking of donating items instead of cash, you might be wondering: are in-kind donations tax deductible? The short answer is yes—but there are some rules you need to know, especially in California and the U.S.

This guide will walk you through the process, step by step, and show how platforms like Givelink make in-kind giving easier, fully transparent, and impactful.

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1. Understand what counts as an in-kind donation

An in-kind donation is any physical item or service you give to a nonprofit—think school supplies, clothes, food, or professional services. To be tax-deductible, the items must be given to a qualified nonprofit and must be used in the organization’s work.

Tip: Keep receipts, photos, or other proof of donation—they’re essential for claiming deductions. Givelink makes this effortless by automatically generating your receipt for every donation.

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2. Know how to value your donation

The IRS and California tax authorities require you to assign a fair market value to your donated items. This is generally what the item would sell for used in its current condition.

• Clothing, household items, and school supplies should be reasonably priced.
• For high-value items (electronics, vehicles), you may need a professional appraisal.

With Givelink, you get a ready-to-use donation receipt with your selected items and value, saving time and ensuring accuracy for tax purposes.

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3. Keep proper documentation

To claim a deduction, you need:

• A written acknowledgment from the nonprofit listing the items donated and their value
• For donations over $500, fill out IRS Form 8283
• Photos of the items can help substantiate the donation

Through Givelink, every in-kind donation comes with automatic documentation, including:

• Your tax-deductible receipt
• A photo of the items being delivered
• Real-time tracking of the donation from you to the nonprofit

This makes it simple to satisfy tax requirements while seeing the impact of your contribution.

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4. Donate items the nonprofit actually needs

A common problem with in-kind giving is donating things the nonprofit doesn’t really need. Givelink solves this by showing real-time nonprofit requests, letting you:

• Select specific items they actually need
• Avoid waste or unnecessary donations
• Ensure your contribution is meaningful, usable, and tax-deductible

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5. Track your impact with My Impact

Beyond tax deductions, Givelink helps you see the difference your donations make. After donating:

• Receive confirmation and images of your items being delivered
• Track exactly how your items are used
• Monitor the number of people impacted through the My Impact dashboard

This turns giving into a transparent, tangible experience and lets you connect emotionally with the real-world outcomes of your generosity.

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6. Quick steps to donate in-kind online with Givelink

1. Create an account on Givelink
2. Browse local nonprofits and see their current needs
3. Select the items you want to donate
4. Receive your donation receipt instantly for tax purposes
5. Get delivery confirmation and images of your donated items
6. Track the impact on lives through My Impact

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Takeaway

In-kind donations are tax deductible, but documentation and fair valuation are key. Donating through Givelink simplifies the process, ensures your items meet real needs, and provides automatic receipts and visual proof of delivery. This way, your generosity is both legally recognized and fully transparent, making it easier to give with confidence and see the real-world impact of your support.

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Keywords: in-kind donations, tax deductible donations, donate supplies, nonprofit giving, Givelink, track donation impact, California tax deduction