How to Donate a Non-Working Car

Perhaps you have a car in your possession that has stopped running. It may not be worth it to you to get it fixed, but instead of letting it sit and rust, you can turn it around to help someone less fortunate. There are a number of charities that accept donations of non-working cars. Typically, they take these cars and repair them and auction them off to raise money to help the needy. Other times, the cars get repaired and passed along to a family who has special transportation needs, or people who are disabled and need a modified vehicle but cannot afford one. If you've ever wondered what to do with that non-working car in your driveway, consider donating it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An old car
• A computer with internet access for research
• Willingness to help others

1. Determine whether your car is safe to donate. Ask a mechanic to look it over. Although many repairs can be done by the receiving charity, there are some damages or electrical problems that present a hazard that can't be repaired. Also, if the vehicle has been recalled by the manufacturer, it may be ineligible for donation.

2. Locate a charity that accepts donated non-working cars. A quick search on the Internet should connect you with charities in your area, or you can call organizations in your town to see if they accept donated vehicles. Some examples could be religious charities, support groups for people with physical disabilities, children's hospitals, or social service organizations.

3. Confirm with the Internal Revenue Service that the charity is registered with them as a charity, and that they are indeed eligible to take donations of used cars. If you are unsure, go to the IRS website for more information.

4. Be sure the charity will provide you with a written receipt. The receipt should include the charity's name, address and tax identification number. It should also contain the car's year, make and model, description and a dollar value. It's a good idea to take a photo of the car before it's donated, just in case there are any questions about the vehicle's value when you go to itemize your tax deductions.

5. Make arrangements for the car to be taken to the charity. Many charities contract with towing companies to get non-working cars delivered to them, so often this won't cost you anything at all. All you have to do is have an old car, and be willing to help those less fortunate than yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• Only donations to 501(C)(3) organizations are eligible for tax deductions.
• There are some car dealers who claim they will help your non-working car get to the right charities. Be cautious of these. By the time the middle man takes out his fee, there may be no profit left for the charity.

Resources

• Internal Revenue Service