The Giving Season Never Ends: Deducting Charitable Contributions on your Tax Return

Tags: charitable donations, junk removal, tax deductible receipts

Walking into the garage or shed can be a nightmare for some of us, with literally piles upon piles of unwanted stuff just sitting there taking up space. While that neon green jacket may have swooned the ladies back in the eighties, chances are probably good that you will not be wearing that jacked again. So with that being said, why not donate it along with the other unwanted items you may have sitting around? There are a number of charitable organizations out there that would be more than happy to accept your donation. At Junk Dawgs, we are also happy to pick and donate items on your behalf with our trusted junk removal service. While helping out someone in need is reason enough, did you know that charitable donations can even be deducted from your taxes?

Its true believe it or not, most charitable contributions can bring about a tax deduction when you go to file taxes for the year. Of course, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has become a bit stricter in what qualifies as a charitable donation so it would be a good idea to arrange a consultation with your financial advisor, or at least do your own research into the matter. The last thing you want to be faced with is an audit; especially for something you had intended to help out someone in need. However, with the service provided by Junk Dawgs, when you call us for junk removal Indianapolis can trust, we do our best to donate items on your behalf and when able to do so, we get an official tax deductible receipt that you can use with your return.

In most cases, any donations or contributions made to an organization or charity deemed a 501(c)(3) nonprofit qualifies as an eligible tax-deductible donation. A few examples of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization include senior homes, schools, hospitals, the Salvation Army, and many more. Most organizations that are indeed designated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit will bear some sort of marking or confirmation, but if you are unsure as to whether or not a specific donation is deductible, just ask. Most charities will tell you upfront that your contribution is tax deductible. Keep in mind though that some charities, as well as churches, are not required to register as tax-exempt with the IRS, but donations to these organizations may still be deductible.

There is usually some confusion as to what exactly can be deducted, but in all reality just about anything can be donated; however, the tax stipulations vary with each type of donation. Most people find that writing a check is much easier than lugging a box of unwanted stuff around, so monetary donations are quite popular. In most cases, cash donations can be deducted completely for up to half of a person’s adjusted gross income.

By no means though are monetary donations the only type of contribution eligible for a tax deduction; some non-cash donations are eligible too! However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind as far as taxes are concerned. For instance, in the case of donating property, if the property has been in your possession for more than a year, than the deduction can only be equivalent to the fair market value of the property. The IRS views fair market value simply as how much a certain piece of property would sell for on the open market.

One aspect of non-cash donation that always raises questions comes with the donation of a vehicle. While we would like to believe some people are better than that, vehicle donation usually comes with its fair share of fraud and other malicious intent, so the IRS views this type of donation much more seriously than others. While it is best to consult a tax professional when donating any type of vehicle—car, truck, boat, RV, etc.—It is a generally accepted principle that the vehicle’s value on the open market must total $500.00 or more. Furthermore, in order to abstain from any other IRS trouble, have the charity in which you made the donation to provide you with some sort of written confirmation that verifies your donation.

Typically, when deducting for charitable contributions, one must opt to itemize on their tax return. The IRS gives everyone a standard deduction which varies with each year. However, for those who feel like their total deductions will amount to more than the standard deduction, itemizing is the option that allows one to receive the maximum amount on their return. If you do plan on making any charitable contributions, then you must itemize these deductions on Schedule A, as well as file a 1040.

When all is said and done though, tax stipulations aside, the important thing to keep in mind is that your contributions are going to directly impact a needy cause in a positive manner; whether it be just a fellow down on his luck, or a bankrupt family who has suddenly found themselves homeless. Moreover, while the information above is intended to be used as a sort of primer, before donating or deducting any kind of contribution, it would be best to consult a tax professional. Because tax laws are changing and moving around every year, what qualified for a deduction last year may not qualify this year.

Hoarding Cleanouts Indianapolis

Tags: cleanout services, hoarders, hoarding cleanouts, hoarding cleanup

Unfortunately, hoarding for many people has become an accepted part of day to day life. What might be considered by some as an obstacle in day to day living has become a routine for those diagnosed as compulsive hoarders. Compulsive hoarding is a pattern of behavior that is characterized by the excessive acquisition of and inability or unwillingness to discard large quantities or objects that cover the living areas of the home and cause significant distress or impairment. Compulsive hoarding behavior has been associated with health risks, impaired functioning, economic burden, and adverse effects on friends and family members. When clinically significant enough to impair functioning, hoarding can prevent typical uses of space so as to limit activities such as cooking, cleaning, moving through the house and sleeping. It can also be dangerous if it puts the individual or others at risk from fire, falling, poor sanitation and other health concerns. If you are personally dealing with compulsive hoarding, working alongside or helping someone suffering from hoarding, we are here to help you in the process with our service, “hoarding cleanouts Indianapolis.”

Hoarding Cleanouts Indianpolis Can Trust

Hoarding Cleanouts Indianapolis Before

The picture above is from one room in the house where items were just stacked up on top one another thereby limiting access to the space or preventing the space from functional use. In hoarding situations, this is often just one of many rooms and spaces that are overfilled like this. The good news is that with our dedicated crew of removers, we work hard and patiently to turn the above pictured space into the one pictured below.

Hoarding Cleanouts Indianapolis After

Our “Hoarding Cleanouts Indianapolis” crews are comprised of off duty firefighters, veterans and service members. This level of professionalism translates to the way that we interact with customers and work along side those that are dealing with difficult situations. While we are there to do a job we also understand that in order to do it effectively the needs of the customer must come first. We work on jobs like these often with those suffering from hoarding or those working with hoarders such as professional organizers.

Our professionalism with Junk Dawgs transferred over to our brother moving business Moving Dawgs. In the event there are furniture pieces needing transported or donated, we have the moving crew and truck to safely transport them from point A to point B. Call 1-800-712-5865 if you have questions about our hoarding cleanup services or our moving services. You can also email info@junkdawgs.com

Leftover Yard Sale Item Removal in Indianapolis

Tags: garage cleanout, garage sale cleanup, yard sale cleanup

As the weather warms up, so do our ideas of clearing out our garage and basement and perhaps even making a little money in the process. So, we track down a few party tables from friends and family, advertise our garage sale on some makeshift signs and in our local paper then we are in business. The much anticipated weekend comes and little by little the items that once covered old ping pong tables start to disappear. However, as the items thin out so does the crowd. You start to look around and realize that there are still a number of items to get rid of? What do you do now? You call Junk Dawgs for leftover yard sale item removal in Indianapolis.

Junk Removal Services Indianapolis

You see, these items are in your garage sale for a reason and that is because you have already made peace that you and the items are parting ways. You tried to make a little profit off the items and if you are like my wife you may have even posted a “Free” sign on some things just to get them out of there. However, if there are more than a few items left you may have lost the battle. Fortunately, when you leftover yard sale item removal in Indianapolis we have a painless process that helps out in a number of ways.

Yes, we charge for this service. However, we make it worth your while. Our all inclusive pricing includes our clean cut, screened and uniformed employees coming out to your location to start the removal process; while the cost includes our labor to remove the items, it also includes our transportation fees and any associated disposal fees. However, being that the items don’t necessarily have to be destined for the dump, we do our best to recycle, reuse or donate as many items as possible. When we are able to donate items on your behalf then we will send you back the tax receipt so that you can get a tax deduction that will more than likely cover the cost to have us remove the items.

At Junk Dawgs, when providing leftover yard sale item removal in Indianapolis, we do our best to ensure that the process is as stress free and economical as possible. This type of stress free service carries over into our brother company Moving Dawgs. So if you care cleaning out the garage to prepare for a move, then consider the professional movers at Moving Dawgs.

Junk Removal Services Indianapolis

Tags: junk dawgs, junk hauling indianapolis, junk removal, junk removal indianapolis

Before choosing a company to provide junk removal services Indianapolis and the surrounding areas can trust, you first need to decide whether you need the services or not. For starters, if you have a number of items that are curb side that continue to get left by your trash pickup company, than you may have a need for junk removal services. If you have a garage full of items that make you afraid to open the garage door then you probably need our help. However, if you have heavy items mixed in with a large amount of junk in your basement that you don’t have the time or will power to cleanout, then you definitely have a need for professional junk removal services Indianapolis and the surrounding areas can trust.

Junk Removal Services Indianapolis

The aforementioned examples outline why you may have a need for our services, but the next step is considering why you should hire our company over our competitors. For starters, the truck pictured above is specifically built and designed for junk removal services Indianapolis and the surrounding areas can trust. We don’t show up with a beat up truck and trailed and then spit ball our pricing. Our strucutre is set based on the costs that we incur to operate; our all inclusive pricing includes our two laborers to do the heavy lifting, all disposal fees, transportation fees as well as our effort to recycle, reuse or donate your items so that they don’t necessarily have to end up in a landfill.

Aside from our professional equipment, we also send you a professional crew. Our staff is fully screened before they ever put on a uniform. More importantly, our employees are already used to service as they are either off duty firefighters, veterans or service members and therefore are accustomed to taking care of the customer before themselves. Last, we have the reputation that customers care about. We were featured as an Angie’s List 2012 Best Contractor as well as named F.C. Tucker’s “Best in Class” for the Home Services division. Below is a testimonial from one of our customers.

“They were such a huge help to us!  They were on time and got right to work.  There were very large objects to move, such as a treadmill, elliptical machine, and pool table, to name a few.  They were extremely hard-working and courteous.  They got done in an hour what would have taken a whole week for us to do!  They then were able to haul away lots of trash and things that we did not want to keep.  The experience was so good that we are using their services again in a few days.”

Aside from providing professional junk removal services Indianapolis can trust, we also offer moving services to Indy and all of its surrounding areas. Our professional movers know how to meticulously take care of your items inside and outside of your home so that your move can be as stress free as possible. Check out our brother moving company Moving Dawgs at your convenience.

Help Loading and Unloading PODS

Tags: junk hauling indianapolis, junk removal indianapolis, moving, moving companies indianapolis

During the moving process, it is not uncommon for homeowners to find themselves in precarious situations. Often times in today’s economy, homeowners will list their homes assuming it will take 2-3 months before a sale. Low and behold, they sell it within two weeks and now don’t know what to do with all their belongings! They rent a PODS unit as quickly as possible to get their game plan in motion but they forgot about the physical labor involved with loading their items. When you need Help Loading and Unloading PODS, check out our reliable operation and our brother company Moving Dawgs.

Help Loading and Unloading PODS

The aforementioned example is only one of many scenarios that may leave you needing help loading and unloading PODS. One thing that all scenarios have in common however is that they can easily become very stressful and exhausting. When you hire our off duty firefighters, veterans and service members, you are getting a group of men you can trust with your belongings. However, you may be asking what does help loading and unloading PODS have to do with a junk removal company?

Need Help Loading and Unloading PODS?

Junk Dawgs is the most trusted and reliable junk removal company providing junk hauling Indianapolis can trust. However, we have a brother company called Moving Dawgs that is the best among moving companies Indianapolis can trust. Our employees are trained and skilled to work in both capacities. They receive training for junk removal, moving and all loading/unloading necessary to get the job done. On these particular jobs, sometimes all it takes is a two man crew. So, we will often times send our skilled junk removal crew, who is also trained for moving services, and they will show up to provide help loading and unloading PODS.

The convenient aspect in this service is that when we show up with our skilled movers but in our junk removal truck is that you have two convenient services at your disposal. When you need Help Loading and Unloading PODS or if you have a need for junk removal Indianapolis can trust, then call 1-800-712-5865 and we will be there to take care of you. Check out our moving company in further detail by clicking here.

Pick Up Trash Indianapolis

This may seem like a typical thing that most of us just do on a weekly basis, in example, a number of us have the colorful trash bins provided to us by our provider or another group has their bins they purchased at Lowe’s; however, have you ever set something out with the trash and come home later that day to find it still there? Heavy trash pickup day, right? That has to be the solution! Not necessarily. You see, when you need to pick up trash Indianapolis companies won’t take, your first phone call is normally to your trash pick up provider. However, there are some items they won’t or can’t take. Whether it be because you have too much of one things or you try throwing out a monster that looks like this:

Projection TV Disposal Indianapolis

The bottom line is, we get calls on a daily basis, and even more at the beginning of the week, from customers that had something their trash removal company wouldn’t take. When you need someone to pick up trash Indianapolis companies won’t take, then call the off duty firefighters, veterans and service members at Junk Dawgs. You see, we can’t take Hazardous Materials, but when it comes to monsters like the one pictured above, or other items like it, then we are equal to the task. Our employees are screened, uniformed professionals that you can trust in and around your home, or at the front of the curb! We were featured as a 2012 Best Contractor with Angie’s List and named Best in Class in 2012 by F.C. Tucker.

Not only can we pick up trash Indianapolis companies leave on your curb, but if you are getting rid of trash because you are moving then we can help with that too! Our brother company, Moving Dawgs, provides local moving Indianapolis residents can trust. They are the best among moving companies Indianapolis residents use now or have used in the past because of their dedication to the customer experience.

Whether it is junk removal, trash removal or moving services, call 1-800-712-5865 and find out all the ways we can help you today!

Tree Brush Disposal Indianapolis

Tags: brush disposal, brush removal, debris removal, junk removal, moving

What is Tree Brush Disposal Indianapolis? This is a service that we provide customers when they have an accumulation of scrap tree limbs, branches, leaves, bushes, etc. Why do you need Junk Dawgs for this service? Because we know how to get rid of this brush pile for you, remove it quickly and then dispose of it responsibly. You see, natural things like tree branches, bushes and other brush can be recycled and turned into mulch more often than not. For example, check out this picture below:

Tree Brush Disposal Indianapolis

This is an example of tree brush disposal Indianapolis residents can trust. What do I mean by that? We show up in our trucks that are the standard in the junk removal industry therefore providing a safe removal and disposal option as opposed to stacking everything up in a pickup truck and praying it doesn’t fall out during transport. More importantly, we send screened, uniformed employees to your location so you can trust the people in and around your home.

What is even more helpful than providing our award winning customer service is that we will take loads like the one pictured above to recycling centers. When we provide tree brush disposal Indianapolis can trust, we do so by finding responsible solutions like preventing from brush like this ending up in the dump and instead watch it get turned into much, therefore staying in use and circulation

If you have a need other than brush removal, then know you can rely on us for all of your junk removal and moving needs.

Projection TV Disposal Indianapolis

Tags: charitable donations, junk removal indianapolis, projection tv disposal

How many of you have a need for projection TV Disposal Indianapolis can trust? You may not know the answer to this question because you either don’t know what a projection TV is or because you may be under the impression that the disposal of these items is a piece of cake. So, I wanted to write this blog entry titled “Projection TV Disposal Indianapolis” so can inform the residents of our wonderful city and surrounding areas on what exactly a projection TV is as well as educate you on the disposal process.

Projection TV Disposal Indianapolis

I think we all have had or still have a projection TV that looks something like this. They are big, bulky and take up a lot of room. More importantly, they are incredibly heavy! I still remember in college trying to lug one of these things up to the second floor of our new apartment with just one buddy. We got five steps in and realized we were in over our head so we called for back while holding the TV in place and sweat dripping off our face. Crisis was averted but that memory stuck with me and has taught me not only to be prepared for big moves and removals like this one, but it also taught that we can train our crews to be proficient at them as well.

Projection TV Disposal Indianapolis Can Trust

Now that we have illustrated what a projection TV looks like, know that any TV that is comparable in size or scope is pretty much a projection TV. That is pertinent information when hiring us for the removal because it comes with a $30 surcharge. The surcharge is in place both due to the difficult of the removal but also because of the extra fees associated with disposing an e-waste item like a projection TV. In Indiana, they are supposed to be recycled responsibly.

How do you know if you need projection TV disposal Indianapolis and the surrounding areas can trust? Ask yourself, have you watched this television in a while or have you moved your viewing pleasure to a more frequented flat screen. Does it still work? Does it take up too much room? I know, some customers don’t want to let go and if they do they don’t want to just see it dumped. GOOD NEWS!! Built into the cost of the removal is our efforts to Recycle, Reuse or Donate as many items as possible! So, if we can, we will donate the bulky item on your behalf to a charitable organization AND THEN send the tax receipt back to you

For projection TV Disposal Indianapolis can trust, call Junk Dawgs at 1-800-712-JUNK. We provide full service junk removal with a professional standard. However, if you need moving services for your large TV, then check out our brother company Moving Dawgs.

Spring Break and Junk Removal

Tags: garage cleanout, spring cleaning

Everybody looks forward to a certain time of year in the midwest that symbolizes a transition from the bleak and dreary winter into the sunny and t-shirt wearing weather of spring. If you’re fortunate, then you start off this wonderful time of year by jumping on 65 South and head towards Florida. However, what happens a lot during this time, which is justifiably so in the back of your mind, is the accumulation of unwanted items and junk. So, while it isn’t a fun thing to think about, it seems that Spring Break and Junk Removal go hand in hand.

Now, while the two have nothing in common in terms of their levels of enjoyment, one certainly facilitates the need for the other. A funny thing happens when the weather is warm… people start opening their garage doors and spend more time outside. Inherently, the 6 months in between the last warm day in fall and the first warm day in spring is that the garage can turn into a bit of a storage unit of unwanted items.

Rather than continuing to use a functional space as a place where things in limbo go to die, stay ahead of the game and call Junk Dawgs for junk removal Indianpolis can trust. If you garage is full of clutter and needs a garage cleanout, then we will send our screened, uniformed employees out with an empty truck so you can get rid of as much items as you need. We will give you a free estimate. If you like the price, then we will get to work. If you do not, then we will shake hands and be on our way. If we do perform the work, then we will work hard to get in and out as quick as possible. After we finish, we will sweep up and make the space look clean and organized. After receiving payment, we will shake hands and be on our way. Before heading to the disposal facilities, we will do out best to recycle, reuse or donate as many items as possible so we keep unneccessary items out of the landfill. In the event we are able to donate any items, we will send you the tax deductible receipt.

We are the go to company for junk hauling, but if you are clearing out the garage because you are moving, then ask about our brother company Moving Dawgs, the best Indianapolis Movers.

Used Furniture Pick Up Indianapolis

Tags: charitable donations, furniture disposal, used furniture pick up

Junk Dawgs is a reputable, trust and fully insured junk removal company servicing all of Indy and the Surrounding Areas. One of the services that we are known for is used furniture pick up Indianapolis can trust. Our service is so appreciated because we place and emphasis on Recycling, Reusing and Donating as many items as possible.

Our used furniture pick up Indianapolis can trust includes any variety of household or office items. Whether it’s an old sofa, lay-z-boy, office desks or cubicle stations, we can help you out. Don’t worry about gathering your junk furniture in one pile, we perform all the labor and will remove all items from initial location.

Still have that old sleeper sofa in the basement where you would stick your nephew Fuller after he drank too much Pepsi at night? We are your go to guys. If you have an old desk stowed away in a cluttered office space, then we are your guys! Or even if you have a giant armoire upstairs that is in one piece, leave it there. We think of your challenges as a workout opportunity

If you have new furniture being delivered and want to use your old sofa until the day of delivery, no problem, you can schedule a specific time to where we pick up your sofa right before your new furniture is delivered. All members of our crew are experienced and all have experience in moving since our removers moonlight with our brother company Moving Dawgs, who are the best among moving companies Indianapolis can trust.It all depends on they type of material and how big the stain or rip is. We have actually teamed up with a local Goodwill in our area. They do not have the means of picking up any donations, so sometimes we provide that service for them.

With our used furniture pick up Indianapolis can trust, there are some items we are no longer able to donate, i.e. mattresses. Indiana has a law against donating these anymore due to the liability and unseen filth that can lie within them. The occasional thrift store will take them, but they are hard to find. Now, if the mattress is still in the plastic wrapping, then most of the time they will take it.