How to Donate a Car to Goodwill

That car you don't need can be helping someone in need. Your donation of a car to Goodwill makes a difference in the life of your community, and can result in tax advantages for you too. Cars donated to Goodwill are sold at auction and the proceeds are used to help fund Goodwill's many programs and services. Follow these simple steps to donate a car to Goodwill.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clear title of ownership for the car you are donating

1. Determine the fair market value of the car you wish to donate. You will need this information for the donation and Goodwill is not permitted to determine the value for you. Check the Kelly Blue Book for the make, model and year of your car.

2. Contact your local Goodwill office, online or by telephone, to begin the donation process. The process differs slightly from region to region, but you will usually be asked to supply initial information about the vehicle you are donating. You may be asked to submit an online application and wait for a return call.

3. Collect your car's title of ownership (pink slip) and any information Goodwill has requested, such as the mileage and service records for the car. Remove all personal objects from the car; don't forget to check the glove box and trunk. Remove the license plates if your state requires this.

4. Follow your local Goodwill office's instructions for turning over the car or having it picked up. You may be asked to deal with an authorized car donation service contracted by Goodwill in your area.

5. Sign over the title of ownership to Goodwill or its authorized representative. Be sure to do this yourself, in the presence of a Goodwill officer or other person legally qualified to receive the title. Complete all parts of the title.

6. Wait for a tax receipt from Goodwill. Goodwill is required to send you a receipt for the amount your car brought at auction within 30 days of the sale. Save this receipt to use for tax purposes.

7. Enjoy knowing that your donation has helped others in your community as well as providing you with tax advantages.

Tips & Warnings

• To get the best tax advantage for your donation, and to help Goodwill make the most of your gift, donate a car that will bring a high value at auction. Newer models with bodies in good condition and older models in good running condition bring the highest prices. Some Goodwill offices will accept beaters or cars that don't run, but these won't usually generate enough to help the charity or make it worth your while as a tax savings.
• Follow these same steps to donate any kind of vehicle; a motorcycle, van, truck, RV, boat or jet ski.
• Consult the IRS publication "A Donor's Guide to Car Donations" and talk to your tax professional to learn how to make the most of your donation.
• In most circumstances, you may not declare the fair market value of your donated car for tax purposes. You are only permitted to declare the proceeds of the car's sale at auction. The exception may be when you donate a vehicle that will be used by your local Goodwill office or its clients; check with Goodwill for details.
• Never sign over your car's title to someone you do not know or trust. Don't fall for a scammer's trick of asking you to leave the recipient area of the title blank; always indicate Goodwill or its authorized representative in this part of the form.

Resources

• Find contact information for your local Goodwill office.
• Download the IRS guide to car donations.
• Find a car's fair market value at the official Kelly Blue Book site.

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on 3/19/2008 http://www.outreachcenter.com