Tips & News

Can I Receive a Tax Break By Donating a Car?

The Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program wants to make sure that you have the information needed to have a great car donation experience. We know you’re probably wondering how you can receive a tax break for your car donation. So, we’ve sat down with Kelly Furtado, General Manager of Advanced Remarketing Services, and asked her all your tax questions.

The donor of this 2002 Mazda Protege qualified for a tax break!
The donor of this 2002 Mazda Protege qualified for a tax break!

When do I need to donate to get a car donation tax deduction for 2022?

As long as you begin the donation process and transfer your title before December 31, 2022, the donation will qualify for your 2022 taxes.

I've already completed the donation forms, but my car may not be picked up until after December 31st. Can I still count it as a 2022 deduction?

Yes! Just make sure you complete all the paperwork before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve and you’re golden.

I donated my car but now I can’t find the tax receipt. What do I do?

Don’t worry, you’re not going to the IRS’ maximum security facility. We can easily send you an electronic copy of your tax receipt. Call 877-215-0227 and provide us with your reference number or the make and model of the vehicle you donated and the donor name listed on the donation forms. We’ll then email you a copy. For car donations that sell for over $500, the IRS requires the donor to provide his/her social security number in order for us to produce your 1098-C form. This information will be explained in your electronic tax receipt.

*Here’s a tip, while you’re at it. If you have a second email account, give us that address as well. Some overly protective email systems will consider your tax receipt a suspicious attachment.  By giving us a second email address, we have a better chance of the receipt getting in your hands. If you still don’t see it, check your junk mail folder.

Do I need to have a title in order to donate my vehicle?

Yes. In most cases, we need to have a current and clear title, without a lien, in order to accept your donation. Some states do have some exceptions. If you need a duplicate title, contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. And, as always, feel free to call us at 877-215-0227 with any questions.

Can I make the donation in someone else's name and give that person the tax deduction?

Yes! Simply list the person who should receive the vehicle donation tax write off as the main contact on the donation forms. Your information, or the information of whomever is handling the donation on their behalf, should be listed as the second contact.

How much of a tax deduction will I get for my car, motorcycle, van donation?

You are entitled to deduct the gross sale price of your vehicle. We’ll report that to you after the sale. If the vehicle sells for less than $500, you can claim a reasonable fair market value, up to $499.

This all sounds good! So, how can I Donate a Car to Public Radio?

If you want to donate a car to support your local public radio station, all you have to do is fill out a simple donation form online or over the phone by calling 877-215-0227.

We’ll arrange to pick your car up at a time and place that’s convenient for you. Then, we’ll sell your car and send you a tax receipt. The proceeds will be sent to the station of your choice. They'll use your donation to provide the public radio programming you love.

Ready to donate or have some questions? Reach out to us here. We’d love to help you have one more good memory about your beloved car or truck and give it a lasting impact that you’ll always feel great about!

Filed under: Donations

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