Information About Car Donations

Donating a used, old or broken-down car is an excellent way to contribute to society, and dozens of charity organizations make doing so easy. All organizations offer free pickup for cars, trucks, recreational vehicles, boats, trailers, motorcycles and Jet Skis, and donations made to these organizations are tax-deductible. Although several organizations attempt to repair donated cars, many also sell the car parts so as to benefit other charities.

History

Dating back to the late 1980s, car donation organizations provide hard-pressed families with reliable, used vehicles or the money necessary to purchase a used vehicle. Among the more popular nonprofits are America's Car Donation Center, Kars 4 Kids, Purple Heart Car Donation Program, Car Angels, Cars Helping America and Habitat for Humanity's "Cars For Homes" foundation. They take in unwanted automobiles, boats, trailers, recreational vehicles and motorcycles. Each provides free pick-up and a receipt of donation for up to $500, which can be used to support a tax deduction.

Features

People who donate their cars will receive a receipt upon initial donation for the cost of the used vehicle up to $500. If the organization sells the car for more than $500, it will send you a receipt that you can use to obtain a higher tax deduction. Check with your tax adviser or accountant for details on tax benefits. Kars 4 Kids and some other groups also provide free vacation vouchers for resorts.

Potential

These organizations may repair donated cars and give them to low income families. If the vehicles are beyond repair, the groups may sell the parts and distribute the money to families in need. Many organizations benefit particular groups: Kars 4 Kids helps families that don't own a vehicle, while the Purple Heart Car Donation Program assists veterans.

Misconceptions

Although many people believe a car must be in good condition and working to be donated, many organizations accept cars that are in disrepair. Even cars with mechanical problems or non-working engines are accepted, as are cars that have failed emission tests. Abandoned cars are not eligible. The tax deduction you will receive varies from car to car, so it is important to speak to each charity to see how your donation can help you.

Donating Your Vehicle

Pickup by each of the nonprofit car donation organizations listed above is free, and the average pickup time is generally 24 to 48 hours. Contact numbers include: America's Official Car Donation Center, 800-237-5714; Kars 4 Kids, 877-Kars4-Kids; Purple Heart Car Donation Program, 888-414-GIVE; Car Angels, 800-227-2643; Cars Helping America, 866-949-3668; and Habitat for Humanity's "Cars For Homes," 877-277-HFHI.

References

• Habitat For Humanity's Car Donation Program
• Cars Helping America
• Car Angels

Resources

• America's Car Donation Center
• Kars 4 Kids
• Purple Heart Car Donation Program