How to Donate Old PCs

Your old PC could be worth a tax write-off when you donate it.

When you upgrade your PC, you may not know what to do with the old PC you have at home. Instead of putting it out with the trash, you can donate it. National and local charitable organizations throughout the United States accept old PCs as donations. As a bonus, when you make your old PC donation you may qualify for a write-off on your taxes if the organization is a registered non-profit with the Internal Revenue Service.

Instructions

1. Remove any programs from the old PC that you plan on using on your new PC. Also remove any personal data with a utility program that specializes in wiping personal data from the hard drive. You can purchase one of these at your local computer software store.

2. Gather all of the accessories and pieces that go with your PC. This includes the keyboard, mouse and any installation disks. You can donate the old PC without these things, but the charitable organizations prefer to have the complete package.

3. Look up your computer on the Gadget Value website (see Resources) to get the fair market value of the old PC. You will need this only if you plan on claiming the donation on your taxes. The Used Price website (see Resources) can also be used to get the old PC value. There is no charge to use either website.

4. Pick a charitable organization make your old PC donation. According to PC Bargain Hunter and How To Donate Guide, the National Cristina Foundation and Gifts In Kind America are two national charities that accept used computer donations. Another organization you may find in your area that takes used computer donations is Goodwill. Find other charities in your area on the Charity Vault website (see Resources).

5. Take your old PC to the charity donation center or mail it if that is the preferred donation method. Check with the organization if you're not sure about their preferred donation method. If you do need to mail it, be sure to send it in a sturdy box with packing materials that will protect it. You will get a donation receipt when you make the donation.

Tips & Warnings

• Charitable organizations typically only accept old PC donations if they actually work.

References

• How To Donate Guide: How To Donate Used Computers To Charity
• PC Bargain Hunter: Where To Donate Old Computers

Resources

• Gadget Value: Used Computer Value Guide
• Used Price: Used Computer Values
• Charity Vault: Find Charities