How to Donate Your RV to Katrina Victims

Donating your RV to Hurricane Katrina victims is a good way to both help disaster relief and earn possible tax deductions while avoiding the hassle, stress, and money required to sell your RV.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

How to Donate Your RV to Katrina Victims

1. Calculate the fair-market value of your RV. Its value is based mainly on overall condition and mileage mainly. Factor in the price of all accessories including air conditioning, trailer hitches, special lights, satellite dishes, and other appliances. Consult the Nationally Recognized Appraisal Guides, Kelley Blue Book Official RV Guide(s) and the National Edition NADA. Recreation Vehicle Appraisal Guide to get the best idea of the average value of your RV (see Resources).

2. Find a charity that accepts car and RV donations. It is best to find a charity that has a well-established reputation, including but not limited to Salvation Army, International Rescue Committee, AmeriCares, and International Medical Corps (see Resources).

3. Choose how your donation will be used. Specify to the charity's representative that you would like your RV donation to go toward disaster relief for Katrina victims. Many charities have general disaster relief funds that would benefit from a donation of an RV.

Tips & Warnings

• Always find out about the background, legitimacy, and reputation of a charity before making any kind of donation. Make sure to itemize your deductions to get a full tax deduction from your donation.
• Any kind of donation, including an RV, is tax-deductible only if the particular charity is a 501c3 entity. Always check the legitimacy and status of the charity before donating.

References

• Donate Your RV
• IRS Officials Urge Care for Those Making a Car Donation; New Law Changes Rules at End of the Year
• Donate RV

Resources

• RV Pricing - Determining Fair Market Value
• Check Out a Business or Charity