How to Donate a Car in Colorado

Donating a car in Colorado is a gift that benefits a wide variety of people. Vehicles in Colorado are typically donated to nonprofit organizations or charities and benefit people of the community. The donated cars are normally sold at auction and the proceeds returned to the charity. Donating a car is a simple process that can really make a difference in the lives of many people.

Instructions

1. Contact an organization in your community that accepts donated cars. Many charities, shelters and youth organizations accept donated cars as ways to raise money for their organizations. PBS, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the American Lung Association of Colorado and Cars for Kids are a few of the more notable organizations in Colorado that benefit from donated vehicles.

2. Make an appointment with the organization of your choice, and take the vehicle and all of your pertinent information with you. In order to donate the car, you will need to have the title with you so that you can sign it over to the organization you are donating to.

3. Fill out any of the paperwork required by the organization to donate your car. This paperwork typically includes documenting your personal information and vehicle details for tax purposes. Give the organization your correct contact information, as they will need it to contact you after the vehicle has been sold. Ask the contact person how long the sales process takes so that you are aware of when you should hear back from him.

4. Wait to hear word back from the sale of your vehicle. It often takes a month or two until the vehicle is processed and sold, so do not be in too big of a rush to hear back. You can contact the organization if you have any questions or concerns about the sale process.

5. Call the organization and speak with the contact person after the timeframe they gave you has passed. She should be able to offer you information on the sale of the vehicle, and whether or not your donation is tax-deductible.

6. Pick up the paperwork regarding your donation. After the vehicle has been sold, the organization should fill out a separate set of paperwork and a receipt for the sale of your car, noting how much your donation was worth. Contact your tax preparer to verify whether or not your donation is a tax-deductible contribution, and take pride in knowing that you have helped the citizens of your community with your donation.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when donating your vehicle. Check out the organization you are planning on donating too and make sure they are a legal and legitimate organization.

• Do not assume your donation is automatically a tax benefit. Not all donations qualify for a tax deduction.

Resources

• PBS
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
• American Lung Association of Colorado
• Cars for Kids