How to Donate a Car in NY

Donating your vehicle to charity is a great way to help those less fortune enjoy the freedom of owning a vehicle. Whether you live in a large New York city or a smaller area many companies are working to help New York residents to donate their cars. And, of course, don't forget that if you donate to a qualifying charitable organization, you can get a tax-deduction!

Things You'll Need

• Vehicle
• Personal Computer
• Internet connection
• Telephone
• Vehicle history
• Vehicle title

Instructions

1. Choose a charity to donate your vehicle to. There are many charities working in the New York area that will be glad to take your vehicle. Some information on these companies can be found in the resources links below. If you are unsure about who accepts car donations in the New York Area do a search using your favorite search Engine. Once you determine who takes what, you should make a list of the top 5.

2. Review your list of the top 5 charities you'd like to see accept your car, and call them. Speak to the executive director, or to their fundraising person. Set up a meeting. If they're unable or unwilling to meet with you for something like a vehicle donation, move on down the line. You should never donate to a charity that isn't willing to take the time to meet with you in person.

3. Give them a factsheet about the vehicle that you're considering donating. It should include information like approximate insurance rates, the approximate value of the vehicle, and the general condition of the car. You should also include the vehicle's maintenance history. The book value of the car will help determine the amount of tax deduction for which you are eligible.

4. Arrange for the charity to pick up your vehicle. They should do this willingly. If they don't do it promptly, or give a valid reason as to why they can't (perhaps they're a youth center, and have very few licensed drivers), you should contact another charity. Ensure that the person arriving to pick up the car is empowered to write you a receipt on behalf of the charity. Once they have the car, they can handle the majority of the transfer paperwork, and the most you should have to do would be sign a title or transfer document with the state.

Tips & Warnings

• Get a receipt of donation from the company taking the car so that you can file the donation on your taxes the following year.

• Make sure to sign over the title before handing over the keys.