There are a great number of non working cars, or cars of very little value out there, taking up space on driveways or slowly corroding in garages. These rusting beasts can also cause other headaches; for example, with their tax status or insurrance. Most people are unaware that there is now the option to dispose of their old car easily and raise money for their favourite charity at the same time.
Indeed, car donation mostly concerns old cars that you no rarely use or a clunker you want to get rid of.
If you're in this situation, before sending your car to a breaker's yard or going through the hassle of selling the car for few hundred bucks, consider donating your car to a charity of your choice, you'll be making a good move and you'll also might be entitled to a tax reduction.
Contact your favorite charity or search online for one near you that could come and take your car.
But there is a little risk though. Don't trust ads of car donation agencies out there telling you they will take care of the donation for you, many of them are scams and charity only get a small part of the money from your car.
In this guide I will show you how to minimize the risk by giving you a list of trusted sites you can donate to and tell you how you can maximize the amount that actually gets to charity. I will also explain why this has become so popular to donate car all over the US - also worldwide - and how much tax benefit you can expect with your donation.
Just check the other sections at the top or bottom of the page.
But first, let's start with a little FAQ that might clear things up:
- Will there be any cost to you?
Absolutely not, this is a completely free program. They will even pick up your car for free!
- How long does it take to get your vehicle picked up?
It can take as little as one day in many cases. Otherwise, it takes no more than a few days based on the distance and availability of the charity's tow trucks.
- You need to get rid of your car immediately, can you take it somewhere?
Many charities have drop-off locations in every major city. When you drop-off your car you are also saving the charity the cost of towing, which makes your donation even more valuable.
- You live in a town where there isn't the charity office I want. Can they still pick up my car?
Yes in most cases! Towing service is often available nationwide, or you can always drive it to the closest drop-off location.
- So what can you donate?
Charities take mostly cars, but if it rolls, floats or flies it can help save lives! They have taken many unusual items and turned them into life-saving machines, including: farm equipment, cotton gins and jet airplanes.
- Can you donate a vehicle that doesn't run?
YES! Non-running cars can also save lives.
- How do I check the status of my car donation?
It can take up to six weeks to complete the donation process.
- Is my donation tax deductible?
If your charity is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation, your donation may be tax deductible. Since each case is different, it is best to consult your tax advisor or accountant for details.
Read more:
You might also be interested in:
- A Donor's Guide to Car Donations, pdf document (IRS site)
