FAQ: Contribute A Car
We make donating easy, but you may have questions regarding the car donation process. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding how to donate a car, truck, RV, boat, or other vehicle. If you have a question not answered here, please contact us. It’s that easy!
The Donation Process
What can I donate?
- We accept most cars, trucks, trailers, boats, RV’s, motorcycles, off-road vehicles, heavy equipment and most other motorized vehicles. If you have any questions about what you can donate, please call us toll-free at (877) 444-4485 seven days a week.
Is my donation tax deductible?
- Yes! Individual tax situations vary so please check with a tax professional to determine how you may benefit.
How much will my tax write-off be?
- The amount that is tax deductible is the sale price of the vehicle. For more information on tax write-offs, we suggest you review IRS Publication 526 which sets forth how the IRS requires you to determine the value of your donated property.
What do I need to donate my vehicle?
- You will need the title to the vehicle, but if you do not have it, please call us anyway. It is possible that other arrangements may be made. Call us toll-free at (877) 444-4485 seven days a week.
My car hasn’t run in years. Can I still donate it?
- Yes. We are able to accept most vehicles, running or not. Exceptions include older vehicles whose value would not offset the cost of towing. Most vehicles need to be intact and in towable condition. To find out if we can accept your vehicle, please complete our secure online donation form or call us toll-free at (877) 444-4485 seven days a week.
Can you pick up vehicles in all 50 states?
- We are able to pick up most vehicles in the continental United States.
How is the value of my car determined?
- Before filing your taxes, we suggest you review IRS Publication 526 which sets forth how the IRS requires you to determine the value of your donated property.
How will the car be picked up?
- We will arrange to have your vehicle towed away at a scheduled time convenient for you. The vehicle will be picked up by a licensed tow company at no cost to you and will be taken to our sale location.
How long will it take to pick up my car?
- We will contact you to schedule an appointment within two to three business days at the most. If you need your car picked up sooner, please call us toll-free at (877) 444-4485 seven days a week. We may be able to make those arrangements as well.
How does the new law effect my tax deduction?
- Donors will no longer be responsible for determining the deductible value of their donation. Instead, they will receive IRS Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes if the proceeds from the sale exceed $500, stating the amount of the gross proceeds from the sale of the donated vehicle. The amount listed on IRS Form 1098-C will be the gross proceeds of the deductible donation.
Will I get a tax receipt for my donation?
- Yes, our driver will issue a receipt at the time of pick-up. This is not your final tax receipt unless the sale of your vehicle does not exceed $500. This initial acknowledgement will indicate your name as well as the year, make, model and condition of the car you are donating. It will be your only receipt if your vehicle sells for less than $500. An IRS Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes will be mailed to you within 30 days of the sale stating the amount of gross proceeds received from your car, provided your vehicle sold for more than $500. This will be your tax receipt for your charitable contribution.
How is the value determined on the vehicle donated?
- The value is determined by the gross proceeds raised from the sale of the donated vehicle. You no longer have the burden of determining the value yourself.
What can I claim as a deduction?
- According to the tax law effective January 1, 2005, if the claimed value of the donated vehicle exceeds $500, the taxpayer is limited to the gross proceeds of the sale.
What if my car is valued over $5000?
- Effective January 1, 2005, you will no longer be required to have vehicles appraised. The value you may claim will be the amount of gross proceeds received from your vehicle.
What type of paperwork will I need to donate my car?
- You will need a clear title. Any lien holder listed on the title must be cleared and or released by the bank. This law varies by state. Please refer to the DMV for clear instructions.
Do I need to notify the DMV when I donate my vehicle?
- Each state has different criteria on how notification is made. Some states require the license plates to be returned to the DMV and other states may require a Release of Liability to be submitted to the DMV. Please contact your local DMV for directions on how to notify the state that you are no longer the owner of the vehicle.