1-800-242-7489
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The Charity Cars Donation Process
To donate a vehicle call 1-800-CHARITY (1-800-242-7489 x 2) or donate online here . Once we receive your information we will make an initial determination whether your vehicle may be suitable to be used as a “program” car (to be provided to a client) or whether the vehicle will be sold at auction or for salvage. If your vehicle is not suitable to be a “program” car, (In the sole opinion of Charity Cars and/or its representatives), we will either e-mail or send you a letter stating that “your vehicle does not meet our criteria to be a program car. Your vehicle will be sold and you will be sent a tax-voucher within 30 days of the sale that will include the sales price that you must use to value your donation.”*
"Program Vehicles"
If your vehicle is tentatively accepted to be used as a “program” car we will either e-mail or send you a letter stating that “based on the information that you have provided regarding the condition of your vehicle, your vehicle may be used in our program and be provided to a disadvantaged person. Once we receive your signed, transferable title, we will make arrangements to have your vehicle picked up and inspected by a repair facility or a representative of Charity Cars. (Included in this letter will be a summary of the condition of the vehicle that you are donating. If there are any discrepancies please contact us immediately. Once the vehicle has been picked-up it cannot be returned to you.*) If the condition of the vehicle has been accurately conveyed to our representatives, (In the sole opinion of Charity Cars and/or its representatives), then your vehicle will be used as a “program” car and be provided to a client and we will send you a tax-voucher stating that you may deduct the “fair market value” of your donation within 30 days of the pick up. (Assistance in determining the “fair market value” can be found at www.kbb.com Kelly Blue Books’ website. Use private party value as a guide.) If, based on inspection, your vehicle has not been accurately represented to us then your vehicle will be sold and you will be sent a tax-voucher within 30 days of the sale that will include the sales price that you must use for your tax deduction.”*
Non-Program Vehicles
If your vehicle does not meet our “program” criteria, it will be sold: The tow service will contact you to schedule a convenient time to pick up your vehicle at no charge. In preparing your vehicle’s title for transfer, write the name Charity Cars, Inc. on the "buyer/purchaser" line and sign your name where it states “seller” exactly as it appears on the title. The tow truck driver will pick up your vehicle as well as the title. If you are uncomfortable about handing your title to the tow truck driver, you can make prior arrangements with the donation representative to mail your title to the Charity Cars headquarters.
Again, once the vehicle is sold you will receive a tax-voucher within 30 days of the sale reflecting the sales price that you may deduct. If, on the other hand, your vehicle is accepted as a “program” car, you will receive a tax-voucher stating that you may deduct the “fair market value.”(According to the IRS, the donor, not the recipient charity, must determine the “fair market value” which the IRS describes as the price that a willing buyer and a willing seller would agree on if neither were pressured to do so. Assistance with vehicle values can be found at www.kbb.com Kelly Blue Books web site. Use private party value.)