How to Donate a Boat to Charity in Benicia, California

Donating a boat allows you to provide assistance to a charity of your choice.

Donating a used boat can be a great way to help a local charity. The charity arranges the sale of the boat or yacht and converts that sale into a cash donation. As of 2005, IRS regulations require that a donor of a boat can only claim the gross proceeds from the sale of the boat as a charitable deduction. Several donation facilitators, which help streamline the donation process by arranging to pick-up and sell the boat, service boat donations in Benicia, California on behalf of local charities.

Instructions

1. Locate a donation facilitator that operates in Benicia, such as Boat Angel or Action Donation Services. Check the list of approved charities that they process donations for. Contact your intended charity to verify that the donation facilitator has a reliable history with the charity.

2. Contact the donation facilitator. Provide the details of the boat you wish to donate along with any contact information it might require. Send pictures of the boat if requested. Follow the facilitator's directions for transferring the title and keys.

3. Keep records of any tax forms that the facilitator provides you with, such as the receipt of sale. Obtain an independent appraisal if the boat is worth more than $5,000. Contact your tax professional or the IRS to ensure you can deduct the maximum legal amount.

References

• IRS: IRS Officials Urge Care For Those Making Car Donation
• American Institute of Philanthropy: Tips for Donating a Car to Charity

Resources

• Boat Angel: Home
• Action Donation Services