How to Donate a Car in Illinois
When it comes to donating, the first thing that usually comes to mind is money. Another thing people donate is their time in addition to old clothes and other items they no longer have a use for. When it comes to cars, most people think of selling or trading in when they’re ready for a new one. One thing you might want to consider is donating your car.
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Things You'll Need
- A car you’re willing to donate, a qualified charity or organization, any necessary paperwork
Instructions
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How to Donate a Car in Illinois
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Visit the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles and pick up any forms that might be necessary for you to fill out in order to donate your car. These forms can include an application for salvage or a request for a replacement title for your car if you don’t have the original title papers.
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Find out about tax information regarding vehicle donation. In Illinois, donating your vehicle is tax deductible but you have to make sure the charity or organization you‘re donating to is “a qualified, eligible, 501(c)3 IRS registered charity.” To ensure the charity or organization is qualified, check Publication 78 on the IRS website or call the IRS Tax Exempt/Government Entities Customer Service at 1-877-829-5500. Be sure to have copies of any relevant information and to obtain any necessary IRS forms for your tax deduction.
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Look into the different charities or organizations your donated vehicle can benefit. Donated vehicles can benefit individuals with special needs, people with medical ailments, or those who need reliable transportation to get to and from various appointments or deliver items. If your vehicle is not in working condition, it can still be salvaged or sold for parts which can then be recycled into other vehicles.
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Contact the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles to find out how to release the liability of your vehicle. Also find out which types of vehicles can be donated and find out what paperwork needs to accompany each vehicle. Normally you just need to have the vehicle’s title.
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Sign the release on your title over to whomever you’re donating your car, and properly assign the car to the new owner.
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Find out a location near you where vehicle donations are picked up. There are several locations throughout the state that pick up vehicle donations. The pick-up is completely free.
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