How to Donate Cars for Charity in Sacramento
Determining what to do with a broken down old car can be a difficult decision. You may not feel that it's worth enough money to sell, yet don't want to pay to have it towed away to a junkyard. There is one option, however, that has multiple benefits. By donating the car to a Sacramento-area charity, you will get rid of the car, benefit a charity you support and get a tax deduction from the IRS.
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Instructions
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Choose a charity in the Sacramento area that accepts vehicle donations, such as the Sacramento Children's Home, the Sacramento Sheriff's Toy Project, The California Council of the Blind and the Assistance League of Sacramento. If you are researching charities on your own, make sure you check to ensure that the organization you choose is registered with the California Attorney General's Office.
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Contact the charity to arrange for the car to be picked up.
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Sign the title of the vehicle over to the charity. If you no longer have the title to the car, fill out and sign an Application for Duplicate Title (REG 227). This form can be downloaded directly from the California Department of Motor Vehicle website, or obtained from the nearest DMV branch.
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Request a receipt for the car donation when it is picked up by the charity you have selected. This receipt will be necessary to claim your tax deduction with the IRS. The IRS allows individuals to claim a deduction of up to $500. If the charity sells the vehicle for more money, you will receive documentation in the mail stating the exact selling price of the car. This can be used to gain a higher tax deduction.
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Register the title transfer with the DMV within five days of transferring ownership to the charity, unless it is understood that the charitable organization will be taking care of the necessary DMV processes. In most cases, Sacramento-area charities will handle all of this paperwork for you to announce the change of ownership and clear you from any future liability regarding the vehicle.
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References
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