How to Donate a Car for Cancer

Instead of selling your old car, you can donate it to a cancer charity. In addition to helping the fight against cancer, you will also receive a tax break for your donation.

Instructions

Donating a Car for Cancer

1. Contact the Cancer Fund of America, American Cancer Society, American Cancer Fund or Breast Cancer Fund and determine if they have local chapter in your area that is accepting donated cars.

2. Determine how much the car is worth using the Kelley Blue Book, the Hearst Black Book or a guide from the National Auto Dealers Association (NADA).

3. Take pictures of your car to verify its value.

4. The organization will pick up the car for free, usually within 24 to 48 hours.

5. Most organizations will do all of the Department of Motor Vehicles processing. Confirm the organization you are donating to will inform the DMV of the title change, and if not, call the DMV yourself.

6. Get a tax receipt for the donation.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask about what percentage of the vehicle's proceeds will go toward fighting cancer.

• As of 2006, a provision limits tax deductions to $500, or if above $500, the gross proceeds of the vehicle sale. If the organization plans to sell the car, make sure it sends you a Statement of Receipt for the gross sale price of the vehicle because that will be the amount you will receive a tax break for. If the organization plans to keep the car, make sure it provides you with a statement to that effect. You will then receive a tax break based on the estimated value of the car. You must fill out Section A of IRS Form 8283 and attach it to your tax return. If the car is worth $5,000 or more, an independent appraisal is necessary. You must fill out Section B of IRS Form 8283.

References

• Tips For Donating a Car to Charity

Resources

• Breast Cancer Fund
• Cancer Fund of America
• American Cancer Society
• American Cancer Fund
• Publication 4303