The fair market value of a donated television is $25–$200 per item in 2026, depending on condition.
Electronics Donation Values · Updated August 1, 2026
Television Donation Value: What Is It Worth in 2026?
The fair market value (FMV) of a donated television ranges from $25 to $200 per item in 2026, based on ItsDeducted's valuation dataset and IRS fair market value principles.
Valuation data by ItsDeducted Team · Updated August 1, 2026
Based on aggregated U.S. resale-market prices and IRS Publication 561 fair market value principles. See how we calculate these values.
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Television donation values are most impacted by screen size, picture quality, smart features, and working condition.
The donation value of a television depends mostly on working condition, age, compatibility, completeness, and overall resale usefulness. Stronger estimates usually go to a television with an intact screen, stable picture, working inputs, and any needed stand, remote, or power cord. Use the estimates below as a practical starting point, then adjust based on the actual condition, age, features, and resale usefulness of a television.
Television Donation Values
2026 Television Donation Values by Condition
Use the item's actual condition and relevant used-market prices to estimate fair market value at the time of donation, rather than its original purchase price.
| Condition | FMV per item | What it means | Tax note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New / Like New | $200 | A television in new or like-new condition shows little to no visible wear and may include original remote control, power cable, stand hardware, and wall-mount hardware if included in original packaging. Screen size, panel technology (OLED/QLED/LED), smart platform, resolution, and age are the primary resale drivers. Like-new television in recognized brands or current models can support values near the top of the estimated range. | Condition may qualify |
| Good | $75 | A television in good condition is clean, fully functional, and ready for home entertainment, streaming, gaming, and broadcast viewing. Its panel, speakers, all inputs, smart TV interface if applicable, and remote are all working normally. This is the most common donation scenario when a television still has practical resale or reuse value. | Condition may qualify |
| Fair | $25 | A television in fair condition is still usable and donation-appropriate but will typically show light scratches on the bezel, minor stand scuffs, faded button labels, or cosmetic marks on the back panel. The screen must display a full, unbroken image; HDMI inputs, speaker output, remote sensor, and power circuit should all function. | Check the IRS condition rule |
| Poor | $0 | A television in poor condition has faults or damage that make it unsuitable for donation and ineligible for a fair market value estimate. This includes a television that has dead pixels, a cracked panel, burn-in visible during normal viewing, non-functional HDMI ports, or will not power on. | Generally below the condition rule |
These are estimated values, not deductible amounts. For clothing and household items, the IRS generally requires good used condition or better; a narrow exception may apply to a single item with a qualified appraisal and claimed value over $500.
Television Value Factors
What Affects the Value of Donated Televisions?
Not all donated televisions are worth the same. These factors have the biggest impact on FMV:
Larger television sizes in usable condition often support higher values than very small older sets.
A television with a bright, even picture and no major dead areas usually falls toward the stronger end of the value range.
Working streaming apps, HDMI inputs, and current display features can improve the value of a television.
A television that powers on reliably, responds to controls, and produces stable sound and picture is generally worth more.
A matching remote, power cord, and stand or feet can improve the donation value of a television.
Television Condition Issues
Common Condition Issues and How They Affect Value
Before donating a television, check for these issues. Each may change the condition tier and estimated fair market value.
| Issue | Effect on Value | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Screen crack | May eliminate value | A cracked television screen usually makes the set unsuitable for resale. |
| Dead pixels or lines | Lowers value | Visible lines, dark areas, or clusters of dead pixels usually reduce fair market value. |
| Missing remote | Lowers value | A missing remote lowers value because setup and everyday use become less convenient. |
| Port failure | Lowers value | Nonworking HDMI or audio ports reduce value because fewer devices can be connected properly. |
| Power issue | May eliminate value | A television that shuts off unexpectedly or will not power on may not be suitable for donation resale. |
Television Brand Value
Does Brand Name Affect the Value of Donated Televisions?
Brand can affect the value of a television, especially when the maker is known for better quality or broader resale demand. However, screen size, picture quality, smart features, and overall working condition usually matter more than the label alone.
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Fair Market Value Methodology
How We Calculate These Values
ItsDeducted's fair market values are built from a regularly updated dataset of resale prices across thrift stores, resale platforms, and charity shops nationwide. We apply IRS fair market value principles (IRS Publication 561) to map those prices to four condition tiers.
For a donated television, our 2026 dataset yields a fair market value range of $25–$200 per item across condition grades.
- We aggregate resale pricing signals for Televisions across major thrift channels.
- We apply condition-tier adjustments consistent with IRS FMV guidance.
- We review and update our dataset regularly — the last date that fair market value data was updated is included on every page.
- Our values reflect the U.S. national average. Local thrift store prices may vary. The IRS expects you to use prices representative of your area.
Pricing year: 2026 — Television Fair Market Values Last Updated: August 1, 2026.
These estimates use the fair market value principles in IRS Publication 561. They are not IRS-issued values. Local resale prices, item details, and the donation date can change the appropriate estimate. For a claimed deduction over $5,000 for an item or group of similar items, a qualified appraisal is generally required.
For broader context on the goods people documented, read the 2026 ItsDeducted Donation Value Report. Its anonymized platform snapshot is separate from this item-specific estimate.
Donation Tax Rules
IRS Rules for Donating Televisions
For clothing and household items, the IRS generally requires good used condition or better. An exception may apply to a single lower-condition item when the claimed deduction exceeds $500 and is supported by a qualified appraisal and Form 8283. IRS Publication 561
Condition requirement
Estimate value from the item's actual condition on the donation date. Clothing and household items generally must be in good used condition or better to support a deduction, subject to the qualified-appraisal exception noted above.
Written acknowledgment
If you claim a deduction of $250 or more for a contribution, keep a contemporaneous written acknowledgment from the charity. Keep reliable written records for smaller contributions too.
Form 8283 (over $500)
If your claimed deduction for noncash contributions exceeds $500, generally attach Form 8283 to your return. The details and appraisal rules depend on the property and claimed amount.
Qualified charity
Charitable deductions generally require donations to qualified organizations. Many national thrift charities may qualify, but verify the receiving organization and keep your receipt.
What to save in your records
- Donation date and receiving organization.
- Item description: television, quantity, and condition.
- Estimated fair market value used for each condition tier.
- Receipt, written acknowledgment, photos, or notes that support the estimate.
IRS reference: IRS Publication 561 explains how to determine fair market value. IRS Publication 526 explains charitable contribution recordkeeping and substantiation. Donors should document the item, its condition, and how they arrived at the estimate. Read IRS Publication 526 for substantiation rules.
Television Donation Acceptance
What Charities Typically Accept for Televisions
Many charities may accept a television when it powers on, works safely, and can be used or reset without special barriers. A television is more likely to be accepted when the screen is intact, the picture and sound work normally, and the set includes a power cord and ideally its stand or remote. Items with a cracked screen, major dead areas, port failure, or power issues that make the television unsafe or unreliable may be rejected or should be valued very conservatively.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions for Television Donations
Which screen size and resolution details usually make a television worth more on the used market?
A television usually has a higher fair market value when screen size, resolution, smart features, and brand compare well with similar used listings. 4K panels and larger screens may also sell for more, while older or heavily used versions often bring less.
Do screen size, resolution, and smart features change what a television is worth?
Screen size, resolution, and smart features can meaningfully change the used value because buyers compare specs and real-world usability. If one of those areas is outdated or limited, the resale value usually drops even if the item still works.
Is a television worth less without a remote, a power cord, and stand legs?
Yes. Missing a remote, a power cord, and stand legs usually reduces fair market value because the next owner may need to replace them before using the item. Complete, ready-to-use donations often look stronger in both thrift store pricing and recordkeeping notes.
Can screen condition, backlight issues, and port function sharply reduce the value of a television?
Screen condition, backlight issues, and port function can have a big effect because buyers expect used electronics to work reliably. Cosmetic flaws may lower value somewhat, but cracked parts, weak performance, or intermittent operation usually reduce the fair market value much more.
Does model year still matter if a television turns on and works?
Model year still matters because technology can date quickly even when the item remains functional. Older versions may have lower resale demand if they use outdated ports, slower hardware, shorter battery life, or no longer receive software support.
How can I document a television with realistic notes about screen size and resolution?
It helps to note the brand, exact model, model year, overall condition, and whether a remote and a power cord are included. Photos that show the item powered on, along with visible wear, can also support a more realistic estimated fair market value.
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