Frequently Asked Questions

Can I donate any type of computer equipment?
We recommend items that are not more than five years old such as laptops, tablets, servers, desktops, monitors, external storage devices, routers, printers, and other peripherals.

What condition should the equipment be in?
Ideally, the equipment should be in good working condition, although the organization may also accept equipment that requires minor repairs or upgrades.

How do I donate my equipment?
Call us or send an email at corporate@techassistusa.com .
You can also ship your computer donations to our office warehouse:
   Technology Assistance Foundation, Inc.
   2084 Central Avenue, Unit E
   Duarte, CA 91010

What happens to my donated equipment?
The organization may refurbish the equipment and distribute it to disabled veterans or to the Asian communities who need it.

Will my personal data be erased from the equipment?
It's your responsibility to erase any personal data from the equipment before donating it.  Before donating any equipment, it is advisable to take steps to protect your personal data. 

Here are some general recommendations:
1.  Backup your data:  Make sure you have a copy of all the important files and data stored on the equipment before donating it.  This ensures that you still have access to your information even after the donation.
2.  Delete personal files:  Manually delete any personal files, documents, photos, or videos stored on the device.  This includes clearing the recycle bin or trash folder.
3.  Format or wipe the hard drive:  Perform a secure erase or format the hard drive to remove all data.   There are software tools available that can securely wipe the drive, making it more difficult to recover the data.
4.  Reset to factory settings:  If you are donating a smartphone, tablet, or other similar devices, perform a factory reset to restore the device to its original settings.  This usually includes wiping personal data from the device's internal storage.

Seek professional help:  If you're uncertain about how to properly erase your data, you can consult with a professional or an IT specialist who can assist you in securely removing your personal information.

Am I eligible for a tax break if I donate my used computer or other electronic equiptment?
Yes, you may be eligible for a tax deduction.   To qualify for a deduction, you typically need to meet certain requirements:

Itemize deductions:  To claim a tax deduction for your donation, you'll need to itemize your deductions instead of taking the standard deduction.  This means you'll need to maintain records and file Schedule A with your tax return.

Fair market value:  Determine the fair market value (FMV) of the computer or electronic gadgets you are donating.  The FMV is the price that a willing buyer would pay and a willing seller would accept for the item in an open market.

Deductible amount:  You can generally deduct the FMV of the donated items.  However, if the item has depreciated in value or is not in good condition, you may need to adjust the value accordingly.