How to Donate a Car in Fairfax, Virginia

Donating your unwanted vehicle to charity generates a tax deduction for you.

Fairfax, Virginia, is home to many charities that accept vehicle donations. Donated vehicles are sold at auction and the proceeds are used by charities to fund their organization. Other charities use donated vehicles to provide transportation to underprivileged families and some use vehicle donations as a sort of "shuttle-service," driving the needy to and from appointments, school and work. However your donated car is actually used, you get the feeling of knowing you've helped someone less fortunate and possibly a sizable tax deduction.

Instructions

1. Verify that the Fairfax charity is a registered nonprofit organization (see Resources). The Internal Revenue Service only allows taxpayers to deduct the donation of a vehicle if it is to a registered 501(c)(3) corporation.

2. Contact your charity online, by phone or in person. Fill out the required paperwork for vehicle donations. Your charity needs to know the year, make, model and mileage of your vehicle, as well as whether the car is in working condition -- which is not a requirement for donated vehicles. Return your paperwork to your charity via the Internet or in person.

3. Schedule a time to deliver your vehicle. You can deliver your vehicle to the charity's drop-off location or have your car picked up by the charity, which is at no cost to you. However, charities that pick up vehicles do have to pay a fee to a towing company, which takes away from the funds they could use toward their charitable cause.

4. Sign your vehicle's title over to your chosen charity. This releases you from ownership and puts the liability of the vehicle strictly into the hands of your charity. Obtain your tax receipt once you've made your donation. You will receive a second tax receipt in the mail from your charity stating the dollar amount you can deduct on your federal income tax return. The amount is either the selling price your vehicle obtains at auction or the fair market value if the charity uses your vehicle.

References

• Habitat for Humanity -- Cars for Homes: Donate a Car
• Charity Navigator: Fairfax Charities Search Results

Resources

• Internal Revenue Service: Charity Search