Things You'll Need:
- Non-profit organization donation forms available at the IRS website
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Step 1
Find the fair market value of your vehicle. A good starting point for this is to check the Blue Book value. This will give you an indication of the market price of your vehicle. Typically when you donate a car this is the maximum value you may potentially receive (There are resources for maximizing the value from your donation)
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Step 2
Select a charitable organization to make a donation to. A good starting point to selecting a charity would be to determine what is important to you. Think of a good cause close to you and find a charity dedicated to this. Be careful to watch out for fraudulent charities and scams. Do research on what to look out for in terms of car donation scams. Ensure whatever charity selected is in fact a reputable, registered charity.
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Step 3
Prepare all required material. Fill out the necessary required IRS charitable donation forms. At the scheduled time of delivery of your donation, have ready: the title to your vehicle, the keys, and remove your license plates. Remember to document every step of the donation process. Take photgraphs of your vehicle and keep all paperwork!
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Step 4
After the donation has been made, inquire about your tax receipt. A receipt should be provided from all registered charitable organizations. Typically charities will inform you within 30 days of your donation when you should expect to receive a receipt.
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Step 5
When the time comes to declare your tax deduction from your donation, itemize your claim and follow the proper procedure outlined by making a donation as stated by the IRS.
