Car Donation to Charity - Know the Road Rules

It is hard to let go of a beloved old car that is beyond even a trade-in. Sending it right to the junk yard can be heart wrenching. Making a car donation to a worthy charity seems like a good move, but, unfortunately, car donation is an area of charity that is rife with fraud and misleading information.

The ads that you see everywhere that offer to help you make a car donation to charity are almost always rip-offs. In most cases, these are middle-men who give only a fraction of the car donation worth to the charity. Car donation middle-men are not required by the IRS to contribute a certain amount of the auto's proceeds to a charity. The amount the charity receives from a car donation is negotiated by the charity and the middle-man.

No matter what celebrity promotes these car donation programs, do not use them for your car donation unless you can verify that the car donation agency gives a significant percentage of the proceeds from your car donation to the charity. If you are going to do that kind of research, you might just as well use that time to find a charity that can take your car donation directly. Ask your favorite charities first...they may have a car donation program.

Instead of calling the first telephone number you see on a billboard for car donation, follow these steps to make a car donation to charity.

Rules of the Road for Your Car Donation to Charity

1. Find a charity in your local area that will accept your car donation directly. This will require some research, but you will feel ever so much better when you find a worthy group that will benefit directly from your car donation.
   
   Make sure that the charity you choose for your car donation is a 501(c)(3) organization. These are the only nonprofit groups that can provide a tax deduction for your donation. Check the organization's website for proof of its charitable status, look it up on the Better Business Bureau's nonprofit list, or check it out on Charity Navigator, an organization that rates nonprofits across the country.
2. If possible, deliver your car donation to the charity yourself. A charity will have to pay someone to pick it up. Save them that expense by driving the car directly to the charity. Make arrangements with the charity first, of course, so that the proper paperwork for your car donation can be prepared.
3. Protect yourself from future liabilities that could result from a car donation. There are some sad cases of people making a car donation and then being held liable when that car was later in an accident. Make sure that the title is transferred properly to the charity. Check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles about how to do this properly. Never leave a blank space on the title for someone else to fill in. Do not leave the ownership space on the charity car donation papers blank. If the charity asks you to do that, find another organization.
4. Understand the IRS rules for your car donation. First, a tax deduction is only available for your car donation if you itemize your deductions. An estimate of the value of your vehicle will not pass muster at tax time. Since most cars (or boats) donated to charity are resold, you must know the resale price of your car donation for your tax records, if the car or boat is worth more than $500. Make sure that the charity sends you this record.
   
   If the charity keeps the car or boat and uses it in its charitable work, or if your car is worth less than $500, then you can report its "fair market value" (FMV).
   
   Making a car donation to an organization that has as its mission to provide low cost vehicles to low-income buyers also allows the donor to deduct the car's fair market value or $500, whichever is less. You can use a resource such as Edmunds' FMV Used Vehicle Appraiser to determine the FMV, which depends on what a used car sells for in your geographic vicinity. The FMV may be lower than the so called "blue book" value.
5. Keep a paper trail of your car donation. If your vehicle or boat donation is worth more than $500, attach IRS Form 8283 to your tax return. If it’s worth more than $5,000, you must include an outside appraisal. Proof of the donation, such as a receipt from the charity, is also required by the IRS and a copy of the title change.

   You can get more information from IRS Publication 4303, "A Donor’s Guide to Car Donations."

Even though making a car donation to a charity might seem like more work than it is worth, do make the effort. Do it in the name of that car that served you well, and to help out a worthy cause. Making a car donation to charity really is a better alternative than a direct trip to the junk heap.

Some charities that accept a car donation directly or through reputable car donation agencies include:

• Habitat for Humanity
• Opportunity Cars
• Vehicles for Change
• Good News Mountaineer Garage
• CarTalk Vehicle Donation Program (Car donation benefits public radio stations.)
• 1-800-Charity Cars

Appraising Value Before You Donate a Car to Charity

What nearly everyone wants to know before they even decide to donate a car to charity is how much it will be valued at. This requires you to fairly assess what purpose it will likely be used for as well as its true condition. When consulting the Kelley Blue Book for a generalized appraisal value, many people fail to consider that even a poor rating assumes that the car can move without facing downhill and that it’s capable of getting current tags in the state that it’s registered in.

Of course, by the time many people even think to donate cars to charity, they’re often far beyond this point. Indeed, since a great many charities (or their third-party, for-profit agents) will more than happily send someone to pick up vehicles that haven’t run under their own power since the Regan Administration, you can be assured that even the scrap metal has more value than you might think.

The first thing to do is to take a look at the Blue Book value, for private party sales. This is the value you can expect to get when you put an ad in the paper and try to sell the car yourself. Before you donate a car to charity, you need to know what other people are paying for it before you get any grand ideas of whittling your tax bill down to nothing.

There will be a section by where you answer a series of specific questions about the condition of the car. You may be surprised just how a few small dings can really impact the resale value whether or not you choose to donate the car. Charity organizations, of course, have the same access to these figures as yourself. So, be honest. If you come up with a condition that is less than poor, odds are you’ll have to settle for the paltry sum the auto will pick up at the wholesale auctions.

According to a General Accounting Office investigation in 2003, automobiles that were sold this way netted between 5-10% of what the fair condition listing was. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine such a paltry sum for something you’ve spent many hours of your life in. Tell yourself, she’s in pain let her go.

Unless you’re able to find a charity that will use your car as a car (rather than scrap metal and parts), you’ll have to accept that the charity you choose will get only 30-50% of that revenue after the price of towing is figured in.

If, on the other hand, you’re able to find a charity that has a training program to teach young people the mechanical arts, perhaps there is a way to get a bit more for your car. However, if you’ve got a terrible clunker, you probably ought to forget it. There’s no point in fixing something up if it has no chance of being either valuable or cool.

It may take awhile, but after as many as nine months, you’ll get a slip of paper informing you of what your donated car at charity auction sold for and netted the school you donated it to. Colleges are also able to receive auto donations that will be refurbished and resold, to your mutual benefit.

It is also useful to consider that you may receive a higher deduction value if your car is refurbished and donated to a needy individual or family in the area. Some cities run programs like this and are even able to accept should you donate your car to the charity of you municipal government.

Organizations that teach people basic car maintenance and body work are probably not as interested in fast and swoopy-looking cars, but will take a serviceable vehicle that has very little wrong with it. If you happen to know what the problem is, all the better, as it will give the charitable organization or NPO something to base a decision upon.

So, consider the value of your car when it’s been fixed up, both a little and a lot when you’re deciding what to do when you donate a car to charity Though not a credit to take off your total tax bill, deductions reduce the income you’re to be taxed upon. The actual amount of money you’ll save (or be refunded) is dependent upon your tax bracket.

However, by taking some time and effort when you donate a car to charity, you can vastly increase the amount of money your car is worth as a deduction under the new IRS rulings affecting auto donation and deductible amounts.

Why Make a Car Donation?

Car Donations may be one of the best ways to help the less fortunate. It is simple, since they are providing something that no longer needs to help those who desperately need it.

People think that the majority of donated cars are made by people who have a car, but this is not necessarily true. These donations come from people who often donate their cars when they believe they do not need. Some people who donate cars because they do not have good trade value for the car. At times, trade in value is much smaller than the car really worth it.

It sometimes happens that a car is in good shape and runs well, but due to their age their efficiency is low. What you going to do? You can sell or give to someone who needs it. But if you do not find a buyer, then it is best to donate to a charity. Donations of cars are quite good, and give you an opportunity to help many people. Used as a tax deduction.

If you are fond of donations then you must have heard of people donating clothes, toys or furniture, etc. Car donation is no different. Just consider the following points before making a donation:

• Make sure that you are donating to a charity that is approved by the government.
• The easiest way to be sure is that 501 (c) (3) the certification given by the government in an organization with respect to the tax exemption.
• Decide "blue book" price for your car. This will help you get the fair market value of the vehicle.
• Take the receipt of donations from your car.
• The receipt of information should make and model of vehicle, year of the car, and the date of donation.

Maryland Car Donation

Despite seeming daunting and pretty complex, car donation Maryland is a pretty straightforward process. First off you will need a car,truck or vehicle that is no longer needed, and you are actually prepared to donate to a charity group. Then you need to have a think about a few details.

Never donate a car, truck, or any other vehicle that needs expensive repairs or extensive maintenance. Also ensure the vehicle is safe. Nobody will get any benefit from a vehicle that is going to die as soon as it is used. These organizations help people in need. Help them to help others.

The next question that you need to answer is, “Where will the car donation go?”. Naturally most folk want the vehicle they donate to end up where it is most needed. There is no shortage of people in need who could really use a reliable vehicle that you might have lying around idle collecting dust in the back yard.

The final question you need to ask yourself is, “Which charity should I donate my vehicle to?”. From the comprehensive list of charities you can donate a car, boat or other vehicle type to, you will need to select one. We’d all like to give something to all of these worthy organizations, however you’ve only got one vehicle to donate, so you will need to select which one of these groups you feel is the most deserving.

The choices mentioned above are good for organizations and groups, but what if you want to donate to disadvantaged people? Well students always need vehicles. Maybe a family member might need your old vehicle. If you know somebody who’s destitute, but looking for work a reliable car can be a godsend for them.

Most people like the feeling they get from donating to others without wanting anything in return. There are however some that will only do something like Maryland car donation if there’s a quid pro quo. Well, even they will enjoy the potential reduction in their taxes. Many organizations, including some cities, will give donors a tax credit, or even pay cash for vehicle donations.

Then there are medical research groups devoted to eradicating disease. The donation of a vehicle to one of these groups can save them money that can be put towards more research. You can call a lot of research organizations in your area and see if they will accept, or need donations of operating vehicles.

For folk who are actively involved in their neighbourhood, one group they may have missed is in their own hometown. Many towns need cars for their employees to get around doing errands. This will help save the city several thousand dollars and free up the cities funds to be appropriated to other needs. Donating a car to your city will indirectly help the whole city.

There are so many folk who can use a reliable vehicle, as well as organizations. The ripple effect from donating a working vehicle must not be underestimated though. Keep in mind when donating that one day you may be on the other end of the process. The choice of whom to donate to is yours to make. Best of luck.

How You Can Benefit from Car Donation

I’m sure there are some people out there - perhaps you’re one of them - considering taking the government up on their offer to trade in your old beater for a screamin’ deal on a new car.

I don’t think you should do it. Frankly, I think the auto industry has benefited enough from government help. I mean Chrysler should be out of business today, and GM would probably be in liquidation phase right now if the White House had never stepped in and saved their butts.

This Cash for Clunkers thing isn’t about saving the environment. If it was, the program would accept vehicles built prior to 1984. Don’t be fooled by anyone - the CfC program is a front to throw more money at the automakers, and it’s working.

Think about it: Say you have a 2000 Ford F-150. With a combined fuel efficiency rating of 15 mpg, the vehicle qualifies as a clunker and is eligible for a $4,500 credit on a new 2009 Ford Focus. The F-150’s trade-in value is about $3,600 anyway, so really you’re only getting $900 extra toward the price of the Focus. If you need to get rid of your truck, why would you trade it in to benefit the automakers? The truck is certainly not a clunker and could benefit someone through donation.

I spoke with Pete Palmer, co-founder of the Vehicle Donation Processing Center, to clear up some confusion and misconceptions about donating cars. Here’s what he said when asked about donating a car rather than selling or trading it:

A car donation can be a great decision for anyone who wants to help people through supporting a non-profit organization. Charities need all the help they can get these days, and a vehicle donation can make a big difference in their ability to provide services. Car donations are also a great alternative for folks who want to avoid all the hassle, wasted time, and expense of selling a car. Car donation offers fast and free pick-up of your vehicle - plus you get a nice tax deduction.

Donating a car today isn’t as easy to write off as it was prior to 2005, though, when donors could deduct the vehicle’s entire fair market value. That’s when Congress stepped in and limited the deduction to $500, or whatever amount the charity was able to sell the vehicle for. Needless to say, car donations tanked.

Today, Mr. Palmer’s organization is part of a group supporting a new House Resolution that would, according to him,

allow car donors to take a write-off at fair market value up to $2,500 and an appraisal after that. This would eliminate the delay in donors knowing what their deduction would be and save a lot of paperwork for the charities. Proponents of the bill feel that since almost all other charitable donations are eligible for a deduction at fair market value, car donors should also get the fair market value when they donate a car.

Car donation can be a fast and easy way to get rid of an unneeded car, and you can feel good about your gift rather than feeding the auto industry’s returning greed. If there are charities you would like to support in your community, a good way to start would be finding them on VDPC’s charity search page.

One final word from Mr. Palmer:

The value of car donations to charities is not small potatoes. Our company alone has sent checks to charities totaling over $60 million - that’s net after all the towing type costs have been deducted. Auto donation is a terrific program for the non-profits and for all the people who find themselves with a car they don’t need and they’ve figured out that the amount they could get for selling it isn’t worth the trouble.

Car donation and how to locate your local depot

Car donation and how to locate your local depot The history of car donation stretches back a long way, if you are aware where to search you can easily find info on topics such as places to donate used cars, car donation charities in Michigan and also purchasing donated vehicles, a multitude of people will probably need specific tax rules info. Imagine you are searching for advice on jewish car donations, clearly these sort of topics may not be freely available on that many sites, make sure you use your bookmarks button whilst you carry out this kind of taxation research, your precious search results should be treated with the utmost of care. Click for more: Car Donation Car donation is a subject that has a long and extensive history and spans many different areas such as car donation centers,tax and car donation and taxation. Experts on IRS will be able to give you some real niche articles on areas such as California car donations and even how to start your own blog on the subject of charity car donation, you could even specialise in related niches like taxation and money saving tips. Although you are looking for tax advice on the world wide web you may have neglected your town library, they will unquestionably give you access to tax related books that will reveal to you the history of car donation. Carrying out tax donation research can be an exhausting thing, your search might have primarily been made for donating cars to charitable organizations but during your search you actually may have ended up learning about, charitable car donations, donating used vehicles and even car donation in California, you must try not lose track of the real purpose of your search. As you are researching tax rules ensure that you take notes as you search, If you track down a valuable tax saving related site then you would be recommended to save it in your favorites, many accountancy sites are too informative to lose. Engaging in tax relief researching can often be an arduous task, your quest might have originally been carried out for jewish car donations but during your search you actually may have ended up learning about, places to donate used cars, car donation in Virginia and even car donation in Massachusetts, you must try not lose track of the purpose of your search. Click for more: Taxation Click below for more: • • • • • • • Car Donation Taxation Tax Taxes Auto Donation Charitites Tax Donations • • Tax Saving Charity

The 3 Requirements For Getting a Tax Deduction When You Donate a Car

If you've donated a car, you may qualify for an IRS deduction. There are three simple requirements that must be met to qualify for a tax deduction:
1) Deductions for donating a car must be itemized in your tax return. Use Schedule A of your 1040 tax form for your deductions and be sure to include information about the donated car. Remember that your deductions cannot be more than half of your adjusted gross income.
2) The charity that you've donated your car to must be eligible to receive your cash or non-cash donations. The best thing to do is visit the IRS website for the online version of Publication 78 -- "The Cumulative List of Organizations". You will find a comprehensive list of IRS recognized 501c3 organizations there.
It's highly recommended that you check the 501c3 status of the charity before you donate a car. Don't just assume that a charity is qualified just because they've said so. You can also call the IRS Division for Tax Exempt and Government Entities.
Anyone has the right to request documentation from the charity. You can request the charity provide you with a copy of their application for tax-exempt status, their determination letter and their most recent annual returns. While the charity can't charge you for this information, take note that they do have the right to charge money for making copies and any postage or shipping fees.
3) A car cannot be owned with the primary purpose of profiting from it. This means that car dealerships cannot get a tax deduction from donating a car to charity.
Planning on donating your car just for the tax deduction? Know the new rules!
The rules have changed with it comes to tax deductions for donating a car. Prior to 2005, you could donate a car to charity and claim the fair market value -- the actual sales price -- of the donated car as your tax deduction.
Now, whenever you donate your car, you'll be able to deduct no more than the amount that the donated car earned at the charity's auction, or $500, whichever amount is less. The standard amount that a donated car pulls in at auction is between $200 and $500. So, even if your donated car pulls in $600 at auction, your deduction can be no more than $500.
There are only two ways that you can still qualify for an IRS deduction based on the fair market value of the car donated.
The charity that you've donated your car to must prepare a statement that they intend to use the donated car for a specific purpose that is thoroughly explained. The charity can also state that they intend to give the donated car to an individual in need. The charity has the right to sell the donated car to a needy individual but the sales price must be well below market value.
The charity can also present you with a statement of their intent to make significant improvements to your donated used car. The explanation as to what these improvements are should be detailed and precise. There should also be a promise from the charity that they will not sell your donated vehicle until these improvements are completed.
Such statements or letters must also include your name, taxpayer ID, the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and the date that you donated your car. The charity also has permission to use Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes, in lieu of the statement or letter.
The charity will also provide you with an acknowledgment of your donation, typically as Form 8283 -- Non-cash Charitable Contributions. The charity should have this acknowledgement to you within thirty days of your car donation and it's advisable to attach Form 8283 to your tax return.

Volunteers Of America

Volunteers of America is a popular charity that accepts car donations. I have worked them firsthand and found the experience to be seamless. Volunteers of America is a comprehensive human service organization. They serve at-risk youth, elderly, homeless, people with disabilities and also those who are recovering from addictions.


They have an easy online donation form to fill out and they will contact you to schedule a pickup. Along with cars, they accept, boats, trucks and RVs.

Value Of Your Car

The IRS has taken issue with the value that taxpayers claim on their donated vehicles. Make sure you value your car correctly in case you are audited. There have even been changes in laws that govern deductions on car donations. Keep in mind that you will not be able to deduct the fair market value of vehicles worth more than $500. Once your car is sold, the charity organization that you have chosen will send you a receipt to give you confirmation of the exact amount your car was auctioned for. By completing your taxes the correct way, you will have nothing to worry about if you are subjected to an audit.

check out who is Donating Car and Where

Sooner contacts will be updated, till then keep visiting for any further updates.

Donating a car

Donate a car to a charity, it will not only make you and those you have donated to feel good, but will serve as a nice tax benefit.

Maybe you’ve just got a new job, maybe you finally got that bonus, maybe you just got lucky on a lottery ticket, or maybe you’ve just decided that it is time for a new car. You have the brand and color all picked out and you are ready to sign the papers and drive it off the lot once you’ve cleared your driveway of your old ride.

If you car is still in decent shape you may be thinking of selling it back to the manufacturer or selling it to a willing party. If the car is in poor shape you may be tempted to sell the parts to a junkyard for cash. While these are both options, there is another path unwanted cars can travel—that is the path of charity.

Donating your car to a charity is a generous and easy option if you take the time to do minimal research. Not only will it benefit people in need, but you can do it at no cost and you will receive a tax deduction in the process.

The easiest way to obtain information on donating your car to a charity is through the “America’s Car Donation Charities Center”, online at www.donateacar.com. The site walks you through the easy process and allows you to research hundreds of charities that are available to receive you donation. There are other websites that offer similar information as well. Regardless of which website or organization you choose to go through to donate your vehicle you will follow a similar procedure.

You will first be asked to fill out a donation form and submit it, either electronically or via mail. You will need to show proof of ownership as well as fill out some other information, such as your name, address, telephone number, vehicle description, approximate mileage, VIN number, and etcetera. You will then be presented with a list of charities to which you will be able to donate your car. Once you have decided on the specific charity simply indicate you choice in the provided box on the form.

After you have submitted the form and it has been received by the company arranging the donation a tow company will contact you and arrange a time to pick up your old car. The towing will be of no cost to you. In several weeks to several months you will be contacted by the specific charity you donated your vehicle to indicating the wholesale
“fair market” value of your car. You can use this number in your tax forms to receive a tax deduction.

You may also donate used boats, motorcycles, trucks, cans, commercial vehicles, jet skis, and even buses. While cars and other equipment that is in working condition receive the highest fair market value, most donation centers will accept those that are not running. The only requirement is that the value of the vehicle must be less than the cost of towing it.

Before you go through with the donating process, you should be clear on a few issues. You should first contact your insurance agent about when you can cancel your insurance on the donated car. You are responsible for the vehicle until the car donation transport company picks it up, but laws vary from state to state.

Also, you will need to take care of the registration fees if the registration expires while the car is in your possession or if it will expire before the vehicle donation is picked up. If the Registration expires after we pick up your car donation then it is the responsibility of the donation center.

Once you have ironed out all the details you can go through with the donation process. By the end of it all you will not only have gotten rid of your car for free, received a generous tax benefit, but you will have also given back to those less fortunate than you. For these reasons should seriously consider donating your car and encouraging others to do so.

How to Donate an Automobile

The IRS urges people interested in charity car donations to make sure the chosen organization is legitimate. “Otherwise, your deduction will not be tax deductible,” they warn in A Donor's Guide to Vehicle Donations. A list of qualified organizations is available on the IRS website.

Know that many religious organizations, such as churches, synagogues, mosques and temples are not listed but are still considered qualified organizations by the IRS. If uncertain, double-check with the religious institution to find out whether they are qualified or not. Most importantly, know what the charity does with car donations. This affects the size of the tax deduction.

The Benefits of Donating a Car in America

Rather than selling your car, there are a few options. Many people decide to donate their car to selected charities. This is a very ethical alternative to simply dropping the lemon off at the junk yard.

The process of a car donation is very simple. This course of action begins by having a donor contact the charity of their choosing to establish a pick up date. During this time, the charity will ask the year, make, and model. In addition, they will schedule a date for pickup when most convenient for the donor. Picking up your vehicle is next, someone will pick up the automobile, and either drives or tows (cars for donation do not necessarily have to be drivable to be eligible for the procedure) it to the auction hall where the car will be auctioned off. The third step is that each car donated within a certain timeframe will be auctioned to the highest bidder and a tax break for the car donor will be distributed accordingly. Unfortunately, not all cars will sold at the auction. In a situation like this, the auctioneers will then contact the junk yard, and sell the former mode of transportation for parts. Depending on if your vehicle is auctioned for more than $500, a 1098B tax form will be sent to you by the selected charity within thirty days of the sale of the automobile. On the other hand, if your car was sold for any price below the $500 mark, you will be allowed to deduct the fair market value of the automobile from your taxes.

In addition to donating your car, you can also donate tailored boats, functional motorcycles, motor homes, trucks, and also snowmobiles, personal watercrafts, and any other recreational vehicle. Although it does not have to be up to date, the vehicle must have registration, and the title for ownership must be with the car. These charitable donation programs for dispelling unwanted vehicles are set up all across the country to provide service to anyone wishing to partake in the program.

The one major piece of advice that should be done before donating their automobile, recreational vehicle, or truck is to shop around. There are many companies that have variable donation rates or figures. Donating something as significant as a motor vehicle could potentially generate significant money; unfortunately, there are companies out there that will entice both charities and individuals into donating vehicles, and low-balling the bottom figures for both other parties.

Donating a Car to Charity

Donating a car is a way to support a charitable organization while still reaping an economic benefit through a tax deduction. All donors should be aware that tax deductions for used automobiles, boats or airplanes are available only to those individuals who donate to a qualified charity and who itemize deductions on their tax returns. Following are some tips to consider when deciding whether to donate your car to charity.

Do make sure that you are donating to an eligible organization. Tax deductions are available for donations made to §501(c)(3) organizations, public charities which the Internal Revenue Service has determined to be tax-exempt. To verify an organization’s qualified status, contact the Public Charities Division at (617) 727-2200, ext. 2101; the IRS Tax Exempt/Government Entities Customer Service at 1-877-829-5500; or look for IRS Publication 78 in your local library’s reference section or on the IRS website. Churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, and governments are not required to register with the Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division or to apply to the IRS for tax-exempt determination. They may not be listed in Publication 78, but donations to these institutions are tax deductible.

Do ask the charity plenty of questions. Find out what the organization’s mission is and how your donation will help it. Ask if your donation can go to a particular program or service that interests you or whether it must go only into the charity’s general fund. Do not donate to an organization that avoids talking about its charitable purpose or refuses to send you information.

Do ask what the charity will do with your car. Some charities refurbish cars and give them to people in need. Some technical schools use cars in their auto shop programs. Other organizations simply resell the car or sell its parts and use the proceeds for their charitable purposes.

Do ask if the charity handles all aspects of your donation. Many charities contract with for-profit companies to handle all the details of motor vehicle donations. If this is the case, ask how the money from your car donation is split between your charity and the for-profit company.

Deduct only the amount allowed by law. Section 884 of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 added sections 170(f)(12) and 6720 to the Internal Revenue Code and changed the rules for donations of motor vehicles, boats, and airplanes beginning in 2005. There are different rules concerning deductions, depending on the value of the car and on whether the charity will keep and use the car or whether it will sell the car (or its parts). The IRS has published "A Donor's Guide to Vehicle Donations" (Publication 4303), which details the new rules. You can obtain Publication 4303 from the IRS at your local IRS office, or by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676), or from the IRS website.

Do have your motor vehicle appraised by a qualified professional appraiser if it is worth more than $5,000.

Do make sure you have the title to your vehicle. A charity should not accept your donation without a title. To obtain a duplicate title, visit your local Registry of Motor Vehicles branch or visit the Registry’s website.

Do take responsibility for transferring the title at the time of the donation. On the back side of your title, you should assign the title to the charity, enter the correct mileage from the odometer, and sign and date the form. Be sure to make and keep a copy of both sides of your title. Do not assign your title to the towing company or the for-profit company that picks up or receives your car. An assignment of title should be made only to the charity.

Do maintain a personal record of your donation. Items that should be included in your record include:

* The written contemporaneous acknowledgment from the charity;
* The name and address of the organization to which you contributed;
* The date and place where your vehicle was picked up;
* A reasonably detailed description of the donated car or a photograph of the car;
* The fair market value of the car at the time of the contribution and how that value was calculated;
* A signed copy of the appraisal, if the motor vehicle was appraised;
* Any terms or conditions attached to the car donation;
* How you obtained the car (by purchase, gift, inheritance, etc.) and the date; and
* A copy of your title, registration, and any receipts you are given by the tow company or the charity

tax deduction & standard deduction

Tax deduction

The individual tax payer is allowed certain deductions to reduce their "taxable income."

There are two basic types of deductions:

1. There is the standard deduction.
2. There is itemized deductions.

Standard Deduction

The IRS provides each tax payer a predetermined (standard) deduction for him/her self and dependents (such as a spouse and/or children below a certain age).

In order to receive more of a deduction than the standard deduction(s) the individual must have legitimate deductions that exceed the amount of the standard deduction(s).

If the individual's total allowable deductions are less than the standard deduction then the individual would receive the standard deduction.

Basic Tax Procedure for car donation

The basic tax procedure for most Americans is as follows:

1. The person makes a certain amount of income in a year. This is called the "gross income."
2. The IRS allows certain deductions from the total "gross income". What is left after the deductions are made is what is called the "taxable income".
3. The taxable income is then taxed a certain percentage based on the income range. Generally the higher the income the higher the tax percentage. There are "tax tables" that establish how much tax a person pays according to their taxable income.

New Tax Law Simplifies the Donation and Tax Deduction Procedure

Thanks to the new tax law, the IRS has taken the guesswork out of how to determine the value of your vehicle.

Beginning January 1, 2005 you may deduct the full price we receive for the sale of your vehicle. This greatly simplifies the process for you in several ways.

Under the new law, if your vehicle sells for more than $500 then the following applies:

* If your vehicle sells for more than $500 you’ll know exactly the amount you may deduct, eliminating guesswork. Thus you no longer have to research and come up with an estimate of the fair market value of the vehicle.
* The selling price of your vehicle becomes its fair market value and is what you can deduct on your tax return in most cases.
* This also eliminates the risk of you getting into trouble by overstating the value of your deduction on your tax return.
* This saves you both time and risk.

If you car sells for $500 or less at auction, you may deduct what you determine as the fair market value of your vehicle or the amount the vehicle sold for, whichever is less, and as long as that figure is under $500.00.

10 Best Charity Car Donation Tax Deduction Tips

These are some of the most important and best charity car donation tips you'll need to consider before donating your car, truck, van or other any other vehicle. You can donate cars, trucks, boats, airplanes, ATV's, even old motor homes and many other types of vehicles and get a good tax deduction.

1. First it's important to know that the laws were changed in 2004 limiting the donor's used car donation tax deduction to the amount the selected charity ends up selling the car for.

2. You want to find out if the charity is rightly eligible to be the receiver of tax deductible contributions so make sure that you ask for the organization's Internal Revenue Service's "Letter of Determination." This will verify their status.

3. Make sure to get a good well-documented receipt from the charitable organization for your vehicle or car donation.

4. In order not to send up any red flags on your income tax return know that the IRS looks carefully at non-cash donations so make sure to clearly document the correct car or vehicle value and keep accurate detailed records.

5. If your used vehicle is worth $500 or even more, then complete the newest Internal Revenue Service tax deduction form, the number may change form time to time, fill out the proper portion and attach it to your income tax return. You must also include a written acknowledgement from the charity.

If your charitable organization sells your donated car, then they must provide you with the sales price within 30 days with a certification the automobile, truck, van or other vehicle was sold at between parties not related to each other. The donor's tax deductions must be limited to the total the charity sold the car or vehicle for. If they don't sell the car, they must provide you, the donor, with a receipt within approximately thirty days of the sale, whenever that occurs. They must also certify to the donor how it intends to use or upgrade/repair the car and state in writing that they will not sell the vehicle or transfer it to any other party.

6. If your car is valued at $5,000 or more you'll need to get an independent appraisal and complete the appropriate part of the Internal Revenue Service form.

7. For cars or vehicles that are worth under $5,000, use either Kelley Blue Book or a guide from NADA to determine the current market value. Use the right and correct figure for the date, mileage, and car's condition. Don't just pick the highest figure for your vehicle year and model and not note other important factors. The IRS will look down on this.

8. Take several close-up pictures of the vehicle inside and out.

9. Save all your receipts for any upgrades including any new tires to document and verify the car or vehicle's value.

10. It's important to know that it's not the charity or charitable organization, who is obligated to come up with the correct value and you'll have to pay any penalties if the IRS audits or challenges you and finds your figures are unfounded.

Finally be aware that some charities use a donated car or vehicle for transportation or for hauling and they benefit directly from the donation. But in most cases the vehicles or cars are sold by the charity, dealer or car donation center to help raise funds for the charitable organization. When this happens, if it's the dealer, the charity may get only a flat fee and may be as little as $50 for your used car. So check with the charity on how they intend to handle the donation if this is important to you.

Does Charity Car Donation Still Make Sense Under Tougher IRS Rules

You can still deduct the car's full market value — if you know where to look

When my aging Nissan Sentra began to need several hundred dollars' worth of repairs every few months, I considered donating the once trusty blue sedan to charity. I knew of several pet charities that would be grateful. Besides, donating a car seemed so much easier than selling it. No fixing it up. No phone calls. No Tom, Dick and Harriet knocking at my door — or standing me up on a Sunday morning as I waited for Godot.

The biggest incentive, though, came from the tax deduction. At the time, the IRS was allowing donors to deduct the "fair market value" of the donated car from their taxes. So donating the Nissan, whose market value was about $2,400, meant $792 off my taxes (assuming a 33-percent tax bracket). Every year, more than a million Americans donated their cars just like this.

Too good to be true
Unfortunately, whether through ignorance, confusion or greed, a substantial percentage of car donors have been deducting the full "suggested retail price" — what a dealer would get for reselling your trade-in — instead of the fair market value. That's far more than the IRS had intended, costing the government millions in lost tax revenue.

The charities weren't making much, either. Most of the donated cars were sold by the charities for a pittance at auction, and middlemen who administered the programs on behalf of the charities took a large percentage of those meager profits.

So in 2005, the IRS changed the rule. From then on, if your car is valued at more than $500, the deduction is limited to the charity's actual selling price. The donor must attach a statement of sale to the tax return in order to receive the deduction. (The charity is obligated to provide the statement within 30 days.) You are not entitled to know the deduction amount before donating your car.

That leaves most donors in the dark — and may leave some businesses and charities in the red.

Good for government = bad for business?
Taron Reeves owns America's Car Donation Charities Center, one of many commercial fundraisers that give a percentage of profits to their charity members. Donations through Reeves' company went down 30-35 percent after the new law went into effect. What's worse, his overall profits have dropped a full 50 percent, as owners of "higher-value cars" — anything more than $2,000-$3,000 — stayed away in droves.

Since the average car that Car Donations Charities Center now receives for charity is valued at only $250-$300, Reeves has had to cut back on his overhead and expenses to maintain his non-profit business. A native Texan, Reeves says he now has to work a little smarter and a little faster than he used to; nevertheless, he remains undaunted.

"There are lots of cars out there," he said. "I look at one that's sitting in someone's yard, waiting to be donated and say, 'That's a $50 bill just flapping in the wind right there.'

"As long as we can accommodate the donor and not lose money for the charity, we'll do it."

How much do cars sell for?

Good cars usually sell for between 66% to 96% of their Fair Market Private Sale Value!

We have prepared a table showing many the selling prices for vehicles sold that are in good shape:

Make	Model	Year	Condition	Sold at Auction for
Jeep	Cherokee	'95	Non Op	$1150
Honda	Accord	'94	Fair	$2150
Nissan	Pathfinder	'89	Good	$800
Mazda	B2200	'89	Fair	$450
Audi	100	'92	Fair	$1100
VW	Jetta	'99	Non Op	$2750
Chevy	Malibu	'98	Good	$1850
Ford	Focus	'01	Non Op	$2100
Saab	900	'90	Fair	$900
Dodge	Intrepid	'00	Non Op	$2900
Honda	Civic	'91	Fair	$625
Honda	Civic	'95	Non Op	$1300
Jeep	Wrangler	'88	Good	$2250

The New Tax Law of 2005 provides many benefits to donors. One of which is that the sale of the vehicle at auction if over $500.00 will be the amount that the donor can deduct on his tax return. Thus if you have a vehicle that is in good shape and running condition it is more likely to sell better at auction and in turn provide you with a higher tax deduction.

How much do cars sell for?

Good cars usually sell for between 66% to 96% of their Fair Market Private Sale Value!

IMPORTANT DONATION INFORMATION UPDATE!

Thanks to the new tax law, the IRS has taken the guesswork out of how to determine the value of your vehicle.

Beginning January 1, 2005 you may deduct the full price we receive for the sale of your vehicle. This greatly simplifies the process for you in several ways.

Under the new law, if your vehicle sells for more than $500 then the following applies:

• If your vehicle sells for more than $500 you’ll know exactly the amount you may deduct, eliminating guesswork. Thus you no longer have to research and come up with an estimate of the fair market value of the vehicle.
• The selling price of your vehicle becomes its fair market value and is what you can deduct on your tax return in most cases.
• This also eliminates the risk of you getting into trouble by overstating the value of your deduction on your tax return.
• This saves you both time and risk.

If you car sells for $500 or less at auction, you may deduct what you determine as the fair market value of your vehicle or the amount the vehicle sold for, whichever is less, and as long as that figure is under $500.00.

TWO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AT THE END OF THE YEAR:

QUESTION #1:

Will my donation be good for the year that I sent in the donation form, even if I don’t receive the receipt until the beginning of the New Year?

ANSWER: YES!

IRS Publication 4303, “A Donor’s Guide To Vehicle Donations” states:

“… the written acknowledgment must contain … the date of the contribution…”

The date of contribution is the date that we received the donation form. So it can even be on the 31st of December and will still be for that tax year.

The only exception might arise if you cancel the donation and then resubmit it later, or if the donation is canceled by us or the towing/auction facility due to reasons of inability to make pick up arrangements or lack of proper vehicle documentation, etc. Generally if you work with the towing/auction facility and assist in any problems that might arise then your donation will still be considered effective the date you filled out the donation form.

QUESTION #2:

If I submit the donation form on the last few days of the year and the towing/auction facility does not pick up the vehicle until the beginning of the New Year does the donation still count towards the current year, i.e. the year I submitted the donation form online?

ANSWER: YES!, as stated above.

Donate your car and save oceans, improve lives

Children are a highly impressionable population. They are a wide-eyed group who are very receptive to the things they see and encounter. This is one of the reason why a person’s childhood experiences play a big role in shaping how he or she is as a grown up. Kids & Fishing understands this and actively works to create positive learning opportunities for children living in underserved areas of Los Angeles. Kids & Fishing is a non-profit organization that aims to equip underprivileged children with fruitful memories and with a love for oceans and marine life. They do all of this for free and relies mostly on a cash or car donation from the concerned members of the community.

Hitting two birds with one stone

Kids & Fishing is a unique organization in that it has a two-fold mission. It aims to equip deserving children with important life skills and it also aims to make these children understand the need for healthy and clean oceans. The organization puts forth on this mission through a series of though provoking, educational, interactive activities that would bring the children closer to the oceans. The children are made to participate in supervised programs wherein they to care about marine life and see to the protection of the oceans from pollution. Under these programs, the children also get to develop various skills and values such as teamwork, responsibility, accountability, and pride in finishing a task.

Programs offered by the organization includes clean ups, tours of local aquariums, costal conservation workshops, a series of in-class lectures and seminars, and fishing trips.

Memories to last a lifetime

Skills, values, and love of the oceans are not the things that Kids & Fishing imparts to the children they take under their wings. While they learn about themselves and their environment, these children also gain memories that they can share with friends and families. They also learn to socialize and forge lasting friendships with other children in the program.

Help in your own little way

Kids & Fishing does not charge a single cent for any of the programs they offer. As mentioned above, the children get to learn and enjoy for free because all fees are covered by funding from donations and grants from generous community members. You too can help Kids & Fishing in their noble cause by donating your old vehicle to them. The organization is one of the groups we help here at Donatecarusa.com and we are more than happy to process your car donation on their behalf. Call our hotline or browse through this website for more information on our donation process.

Help shelter the homeless with your car donation in america

The Living Room is a drop-in daytime shelter for at-risk and homeless women and children. It is a non-profit organization that works together with other community-based groups to provide women and their children with a place to stay during daytime when most other shelters are closed. As a non-profit group, the Living Room relies mostly on the volunteers to keep the program going and on donations for funding. One easy way you can help this organization to further its cause is by donating your old vehicle to them. Your car donation would surely go a long way in assuring that homeless women and children in Sonoma County and nearby communities would have the food and shelter they need to survive.

A program born out of concern

The Living Room first opened its doors to homeless and at risk women and children in 1993. Back then, it provided homeless women with a loving, safe, and warm environment were food, coffee, and other drinks were served. Initially, the organization served around five women every day, three days per week. Word soon spread out and by 1995, the Living Room has already served over 1500 clients. The program increasing became popular through time and since 2002, it has been serving an average of 10,000-13,000 clients per year.

The Living Room today

Today, the organization boasts a sunny and very homey environment where women and children are provided with basic human needs as well as spiritual and financial support. Aside from food and shelter, the Living Room also provides its clients with temporary social support services that are geared towards helping them develop their own capabilities for self-sufficiency and independence.

Specifically, the services provided by The Living Room include healthy meals, personal hygiene and emergency supplies, companionship services, developmental classes, and communication resources in the form of telephones, computers, and Internet connection. The organization also provides referral services to help their clients get in touch with proper medical and mental health professionals, food distribution agencies, low cost housing programs, and social service agencies.

Fighting drug addiction through car donations

In the battle against drug and alcohol addiction, grass roots efforts on the community level are just as important and necessary as wide-scale, nationwide programs. After all, what better place there is to start the fight against one of the biggest problems of modern society than in the community? This is the very reason why community based efforts such as Glenn County’s Unity in Recovery programs are worthy organizations to support. Unity in Recovery is a non-profit organization that accepts car donation, cash grants, and other kinds of assistance from generous individuals like you who want to do their part in stopping drug addiction.

United against drug addiction

Unity in Recovery was founded by a group of individuals to whom drug addiction is not a new topic. They themselves were once victims of this disease who upon graduation from the drug addiction treatment founded Unity in Recovery as celebration of their clean and newly sober lives. The group met regularly for mutual encouragement, peer support, and fun activities. Unity in Recovery members also participated in various local programs and efforts related to drug prevention education. In addition, they cooperated with local counselors and other substance abuse officials to conceptualize and promote events that aim to encourage recovering drug addicts to finish their programs.

Unity in Recovery has grown in number through the years and while its current members continue the efforts started by organization’s founders, the group’s operation has expanded to provide addition services and programs. One of these recent additions is the Unity House program through which the group provides shelter and assistance to people who are dedicated to living a clean and sober life. These shelters are known as Unity Houses and can accommodate several residents at a time. Residents staying in these houses are also provided with various kinds of support in the likes of sponsorship, companionship, mentoring, and transportation.

Funding sources and how you can help

Like most non-profit organizations, Unity in Recovery looks to alternative funding sources to fuel its operation. For its part, Unity in Recovery conducts a series of fundraisers in the forms of events and yard sales. It also designs and sales apparels with messages that reflect its goal and mission. The bulk of the organization’s funding, however, comes from cash and car donations. If you are interested in helping Unity in Recovery, making a donation is the easiest way to it.

The better news is that you can make your car donation to Unity in Recovery even easier if you donate your car here at DonateCarUsa.com. The group is one of the beneficiaries of our donation service and we are more than willing to extend your generosity to their cause. Browse through this website today to find out more about our car donation process.

How car donations work

When you pledge your automobile donation, the Vehicle Donation Processing Center takes the donor information over the telephone, and handles all of the documents, vehicle donation pick up, charity auction sale and distribution of the proceeds to the charity. We guarantee payment of all expenses with your car donations. Donate a car to free yourself from the hassles of selling and give something to your community at the same time.

The Vehicle Donation Processing Center, Inc. is a processing agent for charities seeking automobile donations. Through our specialized program, we help citizens like you with your vehicle donation - including car donations, truck donations, trailer donations and boat donations - to any of our 501-C3 non-profit corporation charity clients. .

Guide to Recycling and Donating Cars in California

As the most populous state in the United States, consumers have the most options available to them if they are donating cars in California. Not only do the sheer numbers of citizens make car donation more likely, but as a state known for its social and ecological consciousness, car donation and recycling are becoming one of the smartest ways to dispose of older vehicles no longer needed or wanted. Being a contributor to the recent surge of donating cars in California is a great way to clear out your unwanted vehicles while making a positive difference.

California car donation follows a similar procedure to car donation all across the United States. In most cases, the work done by you is fairly minimal; you have to contact the organization, arrange a pick-up time, and have the title on hand. Towing costs and title transfers are almost always handled by the organization accepting the donation. However, as with car donations everywhere, donating cars in California also comes with the added burden of making sure that your vehicle is going to a reputable, recognized authority.

California-Based and National Car Donation Organizations

Although there are literally hundreds of options to choose from when deciding the organization to whom you will donate your car, here are some of the more popular California choices:

America’s Car Donation Charities Center can be found at http://www.donateacar.com/. You can choose from a list of hundreds of charities, and all pick-up services are provided by the company.

Charitable Auto Resources, Inc. is a California-based company that offers charitable organizations and donors a chance to connect. They can be found at http://www.charitableautoresources.com/.

1-800-Charity Cars (http://www.800charitycars.org/) offers vehicle owners a chance to donate their cars to families working to become self-sufficient. They offer pick-up services nationwide and all throughout California.

Tips for Donating Cars in California

Always make sure your donation is going to a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. This means that the organization is a recognized nonprofit – not a company trying to make money off the kindness of others. This also ensures that your donation is tax deductible.

Check your car donation organization and the charity you choose to receive the proceeds through the Better Business Bureau. Although some unfavorable companies can get a satisfactory rating through the BBB, it’s a great way to do an initial check.

Ask what percentage of the proceeds will go to charity. Donating cars in California (and any other state) through an agency or other organization means that some of the profits will have to be absorbed by those doing the pick-up and title transfer. Make sure you’re comfortable with how much of your car will be going to those who really need the money.

Car Donation Scams

While many people want to do something good by donating their cars to charity, they need to be aware that there are a number of car donation scams out there. It is not always easy to tell the legitimate programs from the car donation scams, so people must be careful about how and where they donate their vehicles.

First of all, many nonprofit organizations are not actually set up to take automobile donations. There is a lot of work involved in being permitted to collect and process donated vehicles, and not all charitable organization have been willing or able to set up such a program for themselves. If they do still accept donations of this sort, then they must do it through a third party. These companies are often referred to as intermediary agencies.

Do Intermediary Agencies Equal Car Donation Scams?

The short answer to this question is “not necessarily.” Some intermediary agencies are truly serving an important purpose for nonprofit organizations that couldn’t otherwise accept car donations. They are able to pick up the cars, transfer the titles, take them to auction, and distribute the funds back to the nonprofit. Of course, they do all of this for a fee. If the fee is a reasonable one, then it is certainly worthwhile for the nonprofit organization to go ahead and pay it.

On the other hand, it is not unheard of for intermediary agencies to expect 50% or more of the proceeds. This might even be on top of the towing and title fees. In the end, the nonprofit organization could end up with as little as 10% of the actual money raised by a donated vehicle. Even if it’s not technically illegal, it’s not hard to recognize that these are car donation scams.

Other Car Donation Scams

In general, there are two things to keep in mind if you decide to go through an intermediary agency to donate your car. First of all, how much of the proceeds will actually go to the nonprofit organization? There are disreputable companies out there that say they are picking up a vehicle on a nonprofit’s behalf, but then they keep all of the money themselves. This is basically auto theft. In order to avoid this, or even intermediary agencies that just take more than their fair share, talk to the organization you want to support. Ask them if they’ve found the agency to be reliable in the past. Make sure that they’ve not only been receiving a reasonable cut, but that they’ve been getting paid at all.

Finally, be sure that the nonprofit you’re donating to is designated as a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization. If they have a different designation, such as 501(c)(4), then you may miss out on the opportunity to receive a tax deduction for your donation. It’s not unheard of for car donation scams to be as simple as just omitting a few details so someone will donate under false pretenses.

The majority of car donation programs are going to be legitimate, but doing just a little bit of homework will keep both you and your favorite charity from becoming victims of car donation scams.

New York Car Donations Made Easy

Whether you’re trying to get rid of an old car taking up space, looking to downsize your gas expenses and go green by getting rid of your car entirely, or simply seeking a great way to make a tax-deductible contribution, donating cars in New York is a great way to make a difference. With so many commuting opportunities and forward-thinking, eco-friendly families in the state, donating cars in New York has become a streamlined, hassle-free process that brings millions of dollars to charities both locally and around the United States.

Types of Car Donation Centers in New York

Donating cars in New York is best accomplished by one of two means: finding an organization that matches donors with charitable nonprofits or donating directly to an organization with vehicle pick-up capabilities.

The first type of organization – companies that pick up cars, convert the vehicle or its parts to money, and then provide a portion of the proceeds to a charity – are typically those used by those seeking to donate their used vehicles. By acting as a “middleman,” these organizations assume the cost, risk, and responsibility of acquiring the donations for a fee, which is then taken out of your donation. You typically get to either choose an organization from their list of affiliated charitable nonprofits or you can simply allow your funds to be disbursed equally. Either way, your donation is tax deductible, and you typically have to do little more than provide your title and a pick-up location.

The second type of organization – charitable nonprofits with a large enough means to create their own car donation department – typically offers consumers a big name with which to supply their donation. For example, Habitat for Humanity and the American Diabetes Association take direct vehicle contributions. In these cases, a larger percentage of your donation actually goes into the charity, since the secondary “middleman” is erased from the equation.

Why Donate?

Both options are a great way to unload a vehicle you no longer need or want. Opportunities are especially substantial in New York, since there a wealth of nonprofits awaiting assistance. For example, if you want to assist New York-based organizations like the YWCA, area food banks, or local rescue missions, there is no better opportunity than to seek contact with a local “Cars for Charity” organization. It’s simply a great way to help the community in which you live, and because pick-up is locally-based, someone is typically available to pick up your car within one to two business days.

Making a Difference

Car donation is one of the easiest types of charitable giving available today. Whether your car is outdated, no longer runs, or simply weighing you down with upkeep costs, donating cars in New York is as easy as picking up the phone or filling out an online form.

Car Donation Charities and How They Work

Car donation charities are those that are able to accept donations of vehicles as a method of fundraising. The process is quite simple, and it can be a big help in supporting the mission of a variety of good organizations. Below you will learn all the basics you need to help out car donation charities.

Getting Started with Car Donation Charities

Instead of selling off your old car or having it towed to the wrecking yard, you call up your favorite charity and let them know you’d like to donate it to them. If they have a car donation program, then they will set up the details with you. They will turn around and sell the vehicle, usually at an auction, and then keep the proceeds.

What’s in It for Me?

In addition to feeling good about yourself for supporting a car donation charity, you may also be eligible to get a break on your taxes. After the car has been sold, the charity will give you a receipt for the total amount it brought, and you will be able to use all or some of this on your next income tax return.

Other Ways to Support Car Donation Charities

While car donation charities obviously accept donations of used cars, it’s quite possible that they accept other vehicles, as well. So, if you are looking to get rid of an old boat, RV, or even an airplane, it’s possible that those items can go to help out a nonprofit organization, too.

The Fine Print

There are a few things to keep in mind in order to properly donate your car to charity. For example, most states are going to require you to have the title to the vehicle being donated. In addition, the car donation charity can only make out the receipt to the name on that title. In some states you will also be required to fill out a Release of Liability Form or a Report of Sale Form.

A Few Tips for Helping Car Donation Charities

If you’re supporting car donation charities, then you may be interested in making sure they get the most money possible for your donation. In order to help ensure this, take their needs into consideration, as well as your own. Most charities will pay to have your car picked up, for example, but if you are able to drive it in, then you will save them the towing costs; and more of the money actually raised by your vehicle will go back into their budget.

Donate Car to Charities and Non-Profit Organizations

Car donation is one of the lesser-known donations that you can make and there are non-profit organizations with the single purpose of handling donated cars to charity programs for charitable organizations and institutions. You can even specify which charitable organization you want your donation to go.

Donating your car to charity is designed to do two things that will benefit you quickly and easily. By donating your car, you get a great tax deduction and your car removed all without the hassle of trying to sell it or getting someone to remove your car from it’s location. If you don’t use, why not give it away and benefit?

Car donation charities that handle car donating can usually remove your car within 24 to 48 hours, they will pick up your car, give you a receipt in return, and take care of the rest of the donation process. Donate car to charity programs have three options in which to process your car donation, they can sell the car at auctions, assigns the car for use of a family or individual, or make use of the car for their charitable operations.

Just think of all the families and individuals affected by tornadoes and hurricanes each year. Donating your old car would be a true blessing to those in need. A donate car to charity program is ideal in these situations and you know that by donating a car, your donation will be used and not spent for unknown reasons.

Car Donation is not Limited to Just Cars

When donating your vehicle to charity, you can actually donate virtually any motor vehicle to the appropriate charity of your choice.

Let's say you have kids grown and out of the house and they no longer need or use the family boat or jet skis and you want to make room around the house, donate that boat or jet skis.

I know of families that have had a loved one that has passed and their car, truck, or RV has sat idle for months and they don't know what to do with it. Charities can actually do one of three things with a donated vehicle. They obviously can find a person or family that can use it, or they can sell it at auction and make use of the cash to assist others. There is another use that most donors never realize. Charities can use the vehicles donated so they can further their efforts to assist those who need a ride, or some charities conduct benefits that promote their charity and an RV is just the ticket for that purpose.

Why Not Mull Over Buying at a UK Police Vehicle Auction

Every hour of every day, all across the UK, law enforcement agencies seize a staggering variety of goods and material from criminals or from participants in criminal enterprises. Many of these goods (such as automobiles and trucks) have no pragmatic value to the bureau. This means intermittently they have to organize a police automobile auction to get rid of such vehicles in an efficient, advantageous manner. A police vehicle auction is a great place to find astounding automotive bargains at up to 50% off their retail market value.

Police Car Auction

Benefits of Law Enforcement Auto Auctions

It’s not only the police that seize the automobiles found at a public automobile auction. Many of them are also confiscated by Revenue, Customs & Excise, courts and bailiffs. It does not take too much time for the amount of confiscated goods to get to be so much, it must be gotten rid of through a government car auction. Lots of folks who come out to purchase things end up selling them off again to wind up with a good profit of twice or three times the amount. The bureaus disposing of the vehicle just want to get rid of it, even if they don’t make a profit. Since there are no direct expenses involved, vehicles sold at police car auctions have low or no reserves. A reserve is the lowest price that a seller will take on a bid. In normal auctions, sellers tend to set reserve prices that reflect the car’s true market value. But with auctions ran by the government, such reserves are considerably lower.

UK Automobile Auction

Things to Think About Before Committing

Although a police auto auction is a great place to find an amazing deal on the car you’ve always dreamed of, there are a couple of facts you should know before you participate. First, remember that a bid is a legally binding offer to buy the vehicle that you usually cannot retract. Also, when you bid at a public police vehicle auction, you’re automatically saying you agree to the terms and conditions of the sale.

After you’ve found out about the inner workings of a UK police car auction, you’ll almost be set to get a good deal on a great car you might not could afford outside the auction.

What Else Do I Need to Know About Police Auto Auctions?

It’s a always a good idea to buy a guide book that lists the market values of the types of automobiles you’ll be bidding on. This will help you decide what a fair price for a given vehicle would be. Also, remember that the cars at a local police automobile auction are sold “as is,” meaning that there’s no warranty or recourse if you have a problem with the vehicle. There’s no returning the automobile for a refund, either. Generally, cash is preferred and credit cards are not accepted. You’re also responsible for any applicable taxes and fees.

What to Find In A Government Automobile Auction

There are more than a few means that you can get an car at a budget price. One of these ways is to attend a government auction for vehicles. In a government vehicle auction, you may bid for cars impounded by the government from dishonest individuals. Whether you wish to choose an older model or a newer car, getting the cars you want is possible. In most cases, an auction can help you to save up 90% off the price. By successfully bidding for the right vehicle at the right price, there’s no reason why you won’t save as much, too.

Common Data to Help Possible Bidders at a UK Used Automobile Auction

Used Car Auction UK

Do you think of an of the ads out about a used automobile auction? If you’ve ever wondered about attending one of these events in the UK, here are some helpful hints|you may be interested in this data|these facts may be of assistance to you.

Translating the Catalog

As you visit a used vehicle auction, you’ll get a catalog that holds thorough facts pertaining to the automobiles for bid. The data contained within the catalog compares second in significance to a total inspection of the cars. Because of the fact that auctions are unique in dialect, this group of terms will probably be found in the catalog given at the used auto auction.

Used Car Auction

“Reserve” is the minimum a seller will accept for his automobile. Bidding begins in the automobile auction at the amount.

”Without reserve” is speaking of when the bidding in a used automobile auction begins anywhere the first bidder chooses to start.

”As seen” is when an auto is let go at a vehicle auction the way it is. It could contain unrevealed problems and blemishes.

”All good” is when all necessary parts of the automobile are in good working order. This means things like brakes, steering, the engine, and the transmission, and such. Secondary portions including the instruments and tires can have damages, or not be running. A used auto auction might issue a guarantee to stand good for an “all good” car.

UK Vehicle Auction

”Warranted all good refers to the fact that the used vehicle for auction has a known service history and has no major mechanical faults. This is a kind of guarantee that grants a successful bidder to reject the vehicle if substantial problems with engine or drive train are discovered..

”Specific faults” is when autos at public auto auctions which are known to have troubles. The words describing the faults could fool someone. For example, “minor engine noise” could mean anything from a squeaky fan belt to serious engine damage like a broken rod.

A catalog from a UK used automobile auction merits some serious study if you intend to be both a knowledgeable and successful bidder.Pay special attention to how a automobile sounds when it is driven into the arena of a vehicle auto auction. You may be able to pick up a knock or a tick or a ping that indicates engine problems. If the driver seems to be giving it the gas excessively, this might mean it stalls or that if it stalls it will be hard to restart due to a weak starter or battery or ignition system. When the driver stops the vehicle, listen for abnormal squeaks or squeals in the brakes. If the car shudders or lurches, the disks or drums of the braking system might be rusted or out of round or that the brake shoes or calipers are worn. If you watch very carefully, you may see the driver using the emergency brake to halt the vehicle. This talks for itself: Do not bid on the car unless you’re prepared to undertake the repairs yourself or pay for the services of a competent mechanic.

How to Earn from a Police Car Auction

Since UK car auctions are known for profitable offers, it’s not shocking why the number of bidders is rising. You can find auctions held by private entities and those held by government agencies. However, law enforcement agencies in the UK also confiscate a number of cars from illicit individuals. More often than not, a Police Car Auction is held in order to dispose the automobiles, at highly attractive bids. In these auctions, you can save up to 50% in automobile buying expenses. If you plan on making good profit, you can acquire a vehicle at a low price during police auctions, and then resell the asset at double the price.

Tips for Making Good Bids in a Online Automobile Auction in the UK

Even if you can’t attend a live auto auction, in today’s virtual world, it’s possible to participate in an on the web automobile auction regardless of your location in the UK. Be aware that the time limited, stationary type auctions such as eBay’s and like sites aren’t what’s being mentioned here. We are talking of an actual on the internet car auction which takes place in actual time. Here are a few facts on being active in an on the web automobile auction by way of simulcast directly from a spot at the auction.

Online Vehicle Auction

What Happens at an On the web Auction?

If you’ve a Computer and an World wide web connection, you’re well on your way to bidding in a public on the web car auction. It is easy to seek them out through means of a main search engine - Google or Yahoo. Because of the fact that every on the web car auction It might be best if you would download software, enhance your browser, or get an application like Java, to be capable of take part totally. Plus, this software can help browse through internet auction publications and contrast prices by means of gaining knowledge of CAP “black book” prices, which grants you to be fully updated before the bidding. The software related to on the web auto auctions commonly has a strong search capability which enables the bidder to access a precise make or model. Depending on the on the web car auction site, you’ll have access to as many as 10,000 car listings. Just as well, this software can be adjusted to alarm you whenever an auto which fits your conditions a is ready at an on the internet auto auction.

UK On the web Car Auction

In view of the fact that on the internet automobile auction houses processing over half a million automobiles per year, the selection is virtually endless. Combine that with a live Internet auction format that grants hundreds, if not thousands, of bidders to participate and you have a formula for success that’s equitable to both buyers and sellers in the UK.

The Cyber Auction Substitute

In cyber auctions, there’s no live public automobile auction occurring simultaneously. It occurs absolutely on the Internet. Like simulcasts, cyber auctions are accessible from any computer anywhere in the world. The traditional auction catalogs are replaced with on the internet ones. Bids on an on the web automobile auction site are confirmed and accepted on screen and purchases are confirmed the same way. A unique feature of a cyber automobile auction is the ability to set an alarm that’ll alert you when the bidding has reached a certain threshold, for example. Bidders can also use a bidding robot that will automatically bid for them when they detect higher bid.

A live on the web car auction is a cutting-edge way to buy a car. UK buyers looking for on the internet automobile auction action will find more than enough to satisfy them in cyber auctions and simulcasts.

Tips for Making Good Bids in a Online Automobile Auction in the UK

Even if you can’t attend a live auto auction, in today’s virtual world, it’s possible to participate in an on the web automobile auction regardless of your location in the UK. Be aware that the time limited, stationary type auctions such as eBay’s and like sites aren’t what’s being mentioned here. We are talking of an actual on the internet car auction which takes place in actual time. Here are a few facts on being active in an on the web automobile auction by way of simulcast directly from a spot at the auction.

Online Vehicle Auction

What Happens at an On the web Auction?

If you’ve a Computer and an World wide web connection, you’re well on your way to bidding in a public on the web car auction. It is easy to seek them out through means of a main search engine - Google or Yahoo. Because of the fact that every on the web car auction It might be best if you would download software, enhance your browser, or get an application like Java, to be capable of take part totally. Plus, this software can help browse through internet auction publications and contrast prices by means of gaining knowledge of CAP “black book” prices, which grants you to be fully updated before the bidding. The software related to on the web auto auctions commonly has a strong search capability which enables the bidder to access a precise make or model. Depending on the on the web car auction site, you’ll have access to as many as 10,000 car listings. Just as well, this software can be adjusted to alarm you whenever an auto which fits your conditions a is ready at an on the internet auto auction.

UK On the web Car Auction

In view of the fact that on the internet automobile auction houses processing over half a million automobiles per year, the selection is virtually endless. Combine that with a live Internet auction format that grants hundreds, if not thousands, of bidders to participate and you have a formula for success that’s equitable to both buyers and sellers in the UK.

The Cyber Auction Substitute

In cyber auctions, there’s no live public automobile auction occurring simultaneously. It occurs absolutely on the Internet. Like simulcasts, cyber auctions are accessible from any computer anywhere in the world. The traditional auction catalogs are replaced with on the internet ones. Bids on an on the web automobile auction site are confirmed and accepted on screen and purchases are confirmed the same way. A unique feature of a cyber automobile auction is the ability to set an alarm that’ll alert you when the bidding has reached a certain threshold, for example. Bidders can also use a bidding robot that will automatically bid for them when they detect higher bid.

A live on the web car auction is a cutting-edge way to buy a car. UK buyers looking for on the internet automobile auction action will find more than enough to satisfy them in cyber auctions and simulcasts.

What You Need to Know About a Used Car Auction

When taking part in a UK auction, it is imperative that you comprehend the essential guidelines involved in bidding successfully. The catalog is one useful tool when you are attending a Used Automobile Auction. For example, the catalog can show you the reserved amounts or the minimum price for each car. You can select to bid first for a car at any price if the automobile is without a reserve price. However if the vehicle is specified to be “warranted all good” you are assured of getting a top quality car.

Car Donation Charities and How They Work

Car donation charities are those that are able to accept donations of vehicles as a method of fundraising. The process is quite simple, and it can be a big help in supporting the mission of a variety of good organizations. Below you will learn all the basics you need to help out car donation charities.

Donate Car Get A Free Vacation

Yep! not only can you donate your car to your favorite charity, you can get a free vaction to boot!

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Donating your car is a double deal. The charity benefits and so do you. Giving your car to charity is really fun, easy, and can be done from anywhere in the U.S

Why not get all you can from your charitable car donation? It's all about being generous and getting rewarded for it as well. It's a WIN/WIN situation, where it works for everyone involved with car donations.

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Car Donation Deduction Guide

Donate a car and the IRS allows you, as a taxpayer, to claim a tax deduction of the value of your vehicle up to $500 or if you sell the car for more than $500 and then donate that amount to your favorite non profit charity you can complete an IRS tax form 1098-C and deduct the donation from your taxable income.

Car Donation is a wise decision and the IRS allows you to determine the value of your donated property. Here is a link to IRS Publication 4303 — A Donate Car Guide to Car Donations and the Deductible Process.

Car donations made to legitimate charitable organizations are tax deductible. Everyone’s individual tax deduction varies, before you make this decision to donate car, check with a tax professional to determine what if any tax benefit you may receive from a tax deductible donation. Car donations are conducted in all 50 states, so you can donate your car regardless of where you live.

Car donations are not limited to cars in running conditions. Running or not, there are options that allow for car donation even if the car must be towed away to receive car donation deductions.