Before you donate -> Prepare for the Tow Pick up -> Title transfer and tax benefits

Before you donate your car

What types of vehicles do you accept?

All vehicles are considered! We strive to accept all types of donated vehicles (running or not), including cars, trucks, trailers, boats, RVs, motorcycles, campers, off-road vehicles, planes, heavy equipment, farm machinery, and most other motorized vehicles. To find out if we can accept your vehicle, please complete our secure online vehicle donation form, or call us toll-free at 888-414-4483 during regular hours of operation.

Will I need to provide a social security number to donate?

No, you do not need to provide your social security number to complete the donation process. However, because your vehicle has not sold at the time of the initial inquiry, our vehicle donor support representatives do ask for your social security number in the case your vehicle sells for over $500. Your social security number is needed to produce Copy B of form 1098-C, from which you will need to deduct the full value of your vehicle donation. Without this form, the most you may claim is $500.

If you are not interested in receiving a tax donation for your vehicle, or you are certain that it will not sell for over $500, then you may decline to give your social security number.

How long does the entire process take?

Most vehicles can be picked up with 72 hours of completing the donation intake process. The entire sale process can take approximately four to 12 weeks. The net cash proceeds from your generous vehicle donation are sent to the Purple Heart Foundation within five business days upon the receipt of the sale proceeds.

Do you accept non-running cars?

Yes! We can accept most vehicles, whether they are running or not. However, it must be in one piece and towable, have an engine, and be accessible by a tow truck. To find out if we can accept your vehicle, please choose a nonprofit, complete the secure online vehicle donation form, or call 888-414-4483. Our Donor Support Team is available seven days a week during regular hours of operation.

Do you accept cars without a smog test?

Yes. For states that require a smog certificate or safety inspection, you may still donate your vehicle without a smog certificate or safety inspection.

Do you accept junk or salvage titles?

Yes; however, this varies by state. Salvage titles are different from junk titles. Salvage titles have been inspected and approved to be back on the road. A Junk title is basically a non-operational vehicle, usually sold for parts. Please give us a call at 888-414-4483 to find out if we can accept your salvage title.

Preparing for the tow pick-up

Do I have to pay for towing?

No. Vehicle donors do not pay for towing; it’s free! The vehicles are picked up at no charge to you. All expenses are deducted from the gross sales price, and if the costs ever exceed the price, those costs are covered by our vehicle donation processing vendor.

Do I remove the license plates?

It depends on the state in which your vehicle is registered. In some states, you are required to surrender or return the license plates after donating. If your state requires you to remove the plates before donating your vehicle, please do what you can to remove your own plates. We cannot guarantee the driver will be able to assist you with plate removal. To find out what’s expected for your state, give our Vehicle Donor Support Team a call at 888-414-4483, and we’ll walk you through it. 

Title transfer and tax benefits

Do I have to contact the DMV?

If state notification is required, it is up to the donor or owner of the donated vehicle to complete this process. Please do not rely on the pick-up driver or vendor to report to the State/Motor Vehicle Department that you are no longer in possession of the vehicle. Click here to learn the steps required for notifying your state that you’ve donated your vehicle. If you need support, please call our Vehicle Donor Support Team at 888-414-4483 seven days a week during regular hours of operation or email donorsupport@careasy.org. Our Donor Support Representatives can provide you with the steps necessary for each state.

Do I need to cancel my insurance?

Only cancel your vehicle’s insurance AFTER you have notified the state that you’ve donated your vehicle. If your state requires notification, please be aware that you should never cancel your insurance prior to reporting to the state you are no longer in possession of the vehicle. This is a general rule for States/Motor Vehicle Departments that require Notification to be submitted or license plates returned.

How do I release my liability for the vehicle?

State notification releases a donor from liability over the vehicle, including registration fees, and from having to keep the vehicle insured. State notification is a way for the state to create a record that the owner is no longer in possession of the vehicle. The steps needed to release your liability for a donated vehicle vary by state. Depending on the state, this step may require surrendering your license plates, canceling your registration, or submitting a report of sale or notice of transfer. State notification should be completed before canceling your insurance. Click here to learn the steps required for notifying your state that you’ve donated your vehicle.

Will I be notified when the vehicle sells?

Once your vehicle sells, our Vehicle Donor Support Team will either email and/or mail a thank-you letter on behalf of the nonprofit receiving your donation, which serves as a copy of your tax receipt. Please note that if your vehicle sells for more than $500 and your tax identification number has been provided, 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 donation.

Are vehicle donations tax deductible?

Yes, vehicle donations are tax-deductible. Individual tax situations vary. For specific tax-related questions, please consult your tax advisor or refer to IRS Publication 4303.

How do I get a tax receipt?

Please call us at 888-414-4483 during regular hours of operation, or email donorsupport@careasy.org, and we would be happy to help you.

What if my vehicle sells for more than $5,000?

The value a vehicle donor may claim will be the amount of gross proceeds received from their vehicle. If the vehicle sells for more than $5,000, the donor will need to complete Section B of Form 8283 and obtain an acknowledgment signature on the form prior to claiming the deduction, and the completed form will need to be included with donor’s income tax return. Please give us a call at  888-414-4483, and we can assist you with this process.