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Donate your Car

Donating a car (or more than one) is an excellent way to get rid of old vehicles you don’t want. The biggest problem most people face when buying a new vehicle: what to do with the old one. There are 3 basic options. You can trade it in. This usually always means you get less than what it’s worth.

You can sell it, which means dealing with a lot of inconvenience. Many people are just not in a position to to fix the vehicle themselves. There’s the Department of Motor Vehicles paperwork. In some states, you have to get a smog inspection. And then there’s all the time and effort in trying to sell it. You buy advertising in the paper. You wait for the phone to ring. You wait for people to come over and decide whether to buy. You haggle with them over the price.

However, there’s the third option: donating your vehicle. This means getting an itemized tax deduction for its full, true value and helping a favorite cause. And now, with Charitable Auto Resources, vehicle donation just became faster and easier.

Take part in our Vehicle Donation Program and support the television and radio programs you love on Awakenings Health Institute, and receive a tax deduction when you itemize your return.

How it Works

All you need is a clear title, and we'll take care of the rest, including pick–up, at no cost to you. Once your vehicle has been sold, you'll be sent a receipt for your tax records, and the sale proceeds will be donated to Awakenings Health Institue in your name.

To learn more about this exciting new program, call CARS directly 877-537-5277 or click the Donate Now button below.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the benefits of donating my car to charity?

   Charities benefit by receiving a cash donation to fund new and existing programs and increase community awareness through local events.

   You benefit by being able to reduce your taxable income when taxes are itemized. Plus you avoid the costs associated with selling your car. No need to pay for advertising, no loss of privacy and possible security risk, and no need to pay for vehicle registration, insurance, and repairs to keep your car in running condition while you wait for a buyer.

2. What percentage of the proceeds from my car donation will go to the charity or non-profit organization?

   The charity or non-profit organization receives 70% of the net proceeds.

3. Does my car have to be running to donate it?

   In some cases we can take your car, running or not. However, it must have an engine and be towable. Contact a representative at 877-537-5277 to find out if your vehicle qualifies for pick-up.

4. How long will it take to pick up my vehicle?

   We make donating your car as simple and convenient as possible. In many cases, vehicles can be picked up within the same week. Call our representatives at 877-537-5277, or email donate@charitableautoresources.com to set an appointment.

5. Do I need a smog certificate in order to donate my car?

   For states that require smog certificates or safety inspections, you may donate your vehicle without these documents.

6. What if I receive legal notices?

   In the rare event that you receive any notification of a lien sale, DMV actions or other activity related to your donated vehicle, please contact us at 877-537-5277 immediately for assistance.

Tax Questions

7. How does the new law effect my tax deduction?

   Donors will no longer be responsible for determining the deductible value of their donation. Instead, they will receive IRS Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes if the proceeds from the sale exceed $500, stating the amount of the gross proceeds from the sale of the donated vehicle. The amount listed on IRS Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes will be the gross proceeds of the deductible donation.

8. Will I get a tax receipt for my donation?

   Yes, our driver will issue a receipt at the time of pick-up. This is not your final tax receipt unless the sale of your vehicle does not exceed $500. This initial acknowledgement will indicate your name as well as the year, make, model and condition of the car you are donating. It will be your only receipt if your vehicle sells for less than $500.

   An IRS Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes will be mailed to you within 30 days of the sale stating the amount of gross proceeds received from your car, provided your vehicle sold for more than $500. This will be your tax receipt for your charitable contribution.

9. How is the value determined on the vehicle donated?

   The value is determined by the gross proceeds raised from the sale of the donated vehicle. You no longer have the burden of determining the value yourself.

10. Does the new law affect the charities?

    Charities will have additional paperwork in reporting the gross proceeds raised from the sale of the vehicle to the donor and IRS. The process of obtaining the cash donation from the vehicle remains the same.

11. What can I claim as a deduction?

    According to the tax law effective January 1, 2005, if the claimed value of the donated vehicle exceeds $500, the taxpayer is limited to the gross proceeds of the sale.

12. What if my car is valued over $5000?

    Effective January 1, 2005, you will no longer be required to have vehicles appraised. The value you may claim will be the amount of gross proceeds received from your vehicle.