Donating a vehicle can be a significant contribution to a charitable cause while offering you potential tax benefits and a hassle-free way to dispose of an unwanted car. Volunteers of America offers a well-regarded car donation program, and you might have questions about how it works. This guide compiles frequently asked questions to provide comprehensive answers about donating your car, truck, RV, boat, or other vehicle to Volunteers of America.
If you have any further questions after reading this guide, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated Donor Support Line at 833-300-5737.
The Vehicle Donation Process | Vehicle Donation Tax Benefits | State Notification Requirements
The Vehicle Donation Process Explained
How Can I Check the Status of My Donation or Get More Information?
We understand you may want updates or have further inquiries throughout the donation process. Our team is available seven days a week to assist you. Please call us at 833-300-5737 or email [email protected] for any questions you may have.
Our Operating Hours (Eastern Time):
- Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 10:00pm (EST)
- Saturday – Sunday: 9:00am – 8:00pm (EST)
What Advantages Does Donating a Vehicle to Volunteers of America Offer?
Choosing to donate your vehicle to Volunteers of America comes with numerous benefits:
- It’s Simple and Convenient: We streamline the donation process to make it as easy as possible for you.
- It’s Free: Vehicle pick-up is always free to you, and there are no hidden costs.
- Potential Tax Deduction: Your donation may qualify for a tax deduction, potentially reducing your tax liability.
- Avoid Hassle and Costs: Skip the headaches of repairing, advertising, and selling your car privately.
- Support a Worthy Cause: Your vehicle donation turns into crucial funding for Volunteers of America’s programs, helping those in need in your community.
Are There Any Fees Associated with Donating My Vehicle?
No, donating your vehicle is entirely free to you, the donor. All expenses related to the vehicle donation process are deducted from the gross sales price of the vehicle. In the rare event that the processing costs exceed the sale price, CARS, our trusted vehicle donation program provider, covers these costs, ensuring you are never out of pocket.
What Kinds of Vehicles Are Eligible for Donation?
Volunteers of America strives to accept a wide variety of vehicle donations. We consider almost all types of motorized vehicles, in varying conditions, including:
- Cars
- Trucks
- RVs
- Boats
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Campers
- Off-road vehicles
- Airplanes
- Heavy equipment
- Farm machinery
- And more!
To determine if your specific vehicle qualifies for donation, please complete our secure online vehicle donation form or call us toll-free at 833-300-5737 during our operating hours.
Is Vehicle Registration Required for Donation?
Vehicle registration requirements can differ depending on your state. Our Vehicle Donor Service Representatives are well-versed in the specific regulations of each state. They will guide you through the necessary steps regarding registration during the donation process to ensure compliance.
Is a Smog Certificate or Safety Inspection Necessary for Vehicle Donation?
No, you are not required to provide a smog certificate or safety inspection to donate your vehicle, even if your state typically mandates these. You can donate your vehicle as-is without these certifications.
Can I Donate a Vehicle That Is Not Running or Has Been Sitting Unused?
Yes! We gladly accept most vehicles regardless of their operational status. Whether your car is running or not, we can likely accept it. However, a few conditions apply: the vehicle must be complete (in one piece), towable, have an engine, and be accessible for a tow truck to pick it up. To confirm if your non-running vehicle meets these criteria and is eligible for donation, please fill out our secure online vehicle donation form or contact us toll-free at 833-300-5737 during our operating hours.
Where Should I Sign the Vehicle Title for Donation?
The correct location for signing your vehicle title varies by state. To avoid any errors, please refrain from signing the title until you have consulted with the towing vendor who will pick up your vehicle. They possess expertise in local title transfer procedures and can provide accurate guidance. If you have any questions beforehand, please call our toll-free number 833-300-5737 to speak with a representative.
Is Vehicle Pick-up Available in All 50 States?
Alt text: A red tow truck from Volunteers of America Car Donation Program is shown hooking up and preparing to tow away a silver sedan, illustrating the free vehicle pick-up service.
Yes, our vehicle donation program offers vehicle pick-up services virtually anywhere in all 50 states. We provide comprehensive vehicle donation processing throughout the contiguous 48 states and the District of Columbia. In Alaska, our services extend to the Fairbanks and Anchorage areas, including a 50-mile radius around these cities. In Hawaii, we serve the islands of Oahu and Hawaii. If you are located outside of Virginia and have questions about donating to Volunteers of America, please reach out to us through our secure online vehicle donation form or call us toll-free at 833-300-5737 during our operating hours.
How Will My Donated Vehicle Be Picked Up?
Once you have submitted the required vehicle information, either through our online donation form or by phone with one of our Vehicle Donor Support Representatives, we will arrange for a licensed tow company to pick up your vehicle at a time that is most convenient for you. The vehicle will be transported to one of our sales locations for processing and sale, all at no cost to you.
How Quickly Can My Vehicle Be Picked Up?
In many instances, we can schedule your vehicle for pick-up during your initial call, immediately after your donation record is created. In other cases, we will contact you within two to three business days to arrange a pick-up appointment at a convenient time with one of our trusted vendors. If you require expedited vehicle pick-up, please inform our Vehicle Donor Support Representatives during your first call, and we will do our best to accommodate your timeline. For specific details regarding your vehicle donation and pick-up scheduling, please call us at 833-300-5737 during our operating hours.
What Happens to Donated Vehicles After Pick-up?
Donated vehicles are sold through various used-car markets, and the proceeds generated are a vital source of funding for Volunteers of America’s programs. We collaborate with an extensive network of nationwide and independent vendors to ensure vehicles are sold effectively, maximizing donation proceeds. We regularly analyze vendor pricing and performance to refine our processes and ensure the best possible financial return for Volunteers of America, while also maximizing potential tax benefits for our donors. For unique or specialty vehicles, we may utilize alternative sales channels to secure the highest possible funds for each donation.
What is the Timeline from Vehicle Pick-up to Volunteers of America Receiving Funds?
We utilize a diverse range of sales outlets and work diligently to find the optimal buyer for each donated vehicle. The complete sales process can typically take between four to twelve weeks. The net proceeds from your generous vehicle donation are then disbursed to Volunteers of America within five business days of our receipt of the sale proceeds from CARS auction or direct buyer providers.
What If I Don’t Have the Vehicle Title or Have Title Issues?
In the majority of states, possessing a clear title is necessary for vehicle donation. However, if you have lost your title or are experiencing title-related issues, please still contact us. It may be possible to make alternative arrangements depending on your situation and state regulations. It’s important to note that any liens listed on the title must be cleared or released by the lienholder (e.g., bank). For detailed instructions regarding title requirements in your specific state, please consult your local motor vehicle division. Our representatives are also available seven days a week during our operating hours to assist you. Please call us toll-free at 833-300-5737.
Are Donated Cars Sold at Auction?
We conduct a thorough evaluation of each donated vehicle to identify the most suitable sales avenues. We consider factors such as the vehicle’s year, make, model, location, and resale potential, and then monitor the sale process to ensure optimal returns. In most cases, vehicles are sold through auction facilities. High-value or specialty vehicles undergo individual assessment and are sold through channels that maximize their market value.
Will I Be Notified When My Vehicle Is Sold?
Yes. Once your donated vehicle is sold, we will send you a thank-you letter on behalf of Volunteers of America via email and/or postal mail. This letter serves as your initial tax receipt. Please note that if your vehicle sells for over $500 and you have provided your tax identification number, you will also receive IRS Form 1098-C, ‘Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes,’ within 30 days of the sale. This form will detail the gross proceeds received from your donation and is essential for tax deduction purposes.
Who Manages the Volunteers of America Vehicle Donation Program?
Alt text: The logo for CARS Inc. (Charitable Adult Rides & Services), a nonprofit organization that manages the Volunteers of America Vehicle Donation Program, is displayed.
The Volunteers of America Vehicle Donation Program is operated by CARS, Inc. (Charitable Adult Rides & Services). CARS is a reputable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, ISO 9001 certified, and based in San Diego. Governed by an independent board of directors, CARS specializes in providing vehicle donation services for various nonprofits. CARS adheres to all IRS and state regulations concerning vehicle donation programs, fundraising registrations, and charitable receipting requirements across all 50 states and Canada. CARS has consistently maintained an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for over a decade, reflecting their commitment to ethical and efficient operations.
Understanding Vehicle Donation Tax Benefits
Is My Vehicle Donation to Volunteers of America Tax-Deductible?
Yes! Donations of vehicles to Volunteers of America are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. However, individual tax situations can vary. We recommend consulting with your tax advisor or referring to IRS Publication 4303 for specific tax-related questions and guidance.
How Is the Value of My Tax Deduction Determined for a Car Donation?
The value of your tax deduction depends on how your donated vehicle is sold. Most vehicles are sold through wholesale auctions, and we strive to maximize the return for both you and Volunteers of America. According to IRS guidelines, you can generally claim the fair market value of your vehicle as a deduction, up to the actual sale price. If your vehicle is sold for more than $500, the maximum deduction you can claim will be the vehicle’s sale price, which will be documented on IRS Form 1098-C.
For vehicles sold for $500 or less, a special rule applies. In this case, you can deduct the lesser of either the vehicle’s fair market value on the date of donation or $500. To claim this deduction, you must have written acknowledgment of your donation, such as the initial donation receipt or the thank-you letter you receive after the donation process is complete.
Defining Fair Market Value for Vehicle Donations
The “fair market value” of a vehicle is defined as the price at which the vehicle would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, under normal circumstances, with both parties having reasonable knowledge of the relevant facts. It essentially represents the cash value you are giving up by donating the vehicle. A helpful resource for determining fair market value is online valuation guides like Kelley Blue Book (https://www.kbb.com/company/faq/new-cars/#whatIsFairMarketRange), which provides private party sale values.
What Tax Forms Will I Receive, and How Will They Be Delivered?
Typically, you will receive an initial donation receipt from the tow truck driver at the time of vehicle pick-up. This initial receipt will include your name, as well as the year, make, model, and condition of the donated vehicle. Subsequently, you will be mailed a thank-you letter from Volunteers of America within 30 days of the vehicle’s sale. This thank-you letter serves as your final tax receipt if your vehicle sells for less than $500.
If your vehicle is sold for more than $500 and you have provided your tax identification number, you will receive IRS Form 1098-C, ‘Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes,’ mailed to you within 30 days of the sale. This form will detail the gross proceeds from your donation.
How Can I Request a Donation or Tax Receipt?
To request a donation or tax receipt, please call us at 833-300-5737 during our operating hours or email [email protected]. We are happy to assist you with your request.
What If My Vehicle’s Value Exceeds $5,000?
For vehicle donations made after January 1, 2005, you are no longer required to obtain a formal appraisal for vehicles valued over $5,000. The deductible value will be based on the gross proceeds received from the sale of your vehicle. However, if your vehicle sells for more than $5,000, you will need to complete Section B of IRS Form 8283. You must also obtain an acknowledgment signature on this form prior to claiming the deduction, and the completed form must be included with your income tax return.
Where Can I Find More Information on IRS Tax Deduction Rules for Car Donations?
Numerous resources are available to guide you through the charitable car donation process and tax implications. Please refer to the following IRS publications and resources for detailed information. If you still have questions after reviewing these materials, please feel free to contact us toll-free at 833-300-5737 seven days a week during our operating hours.
Donor Privacy Policy
Our vehicle donation program prioritizes and protects the privacy of every donor. Donor information is not shared with any organizations other than the IRS, as legally required. Donor names and addresses are exclusively shared with Volunteers of America, the donor-designated organization. Social Security numbers, required for vehicle donations under current tax law, are only shared with the IRS and are protected with AES256 encryption. The encryption key is securely stored separately from the data. Strict controls are in place to limit and monitor access to decrypted Social Security Numbers, with access logs maintained.
State Notification Requirements After Vehicle Donation
Do I Need to Notify My State Motor Vehicle Division After Donating My Vehicle?
Yes, in most cases, it is essential to notify your local Motor Vehicle Division (or equivalent state agency) after you donate your vehicle. State notification serves as official proof that you are no longer the registered owner of the vehicle and releases you from liability for the vehicle going forward. Depending on the state where your vehicle is registered, this step may be mandatory and might involve surrendering the vehicle’s license plates.
When Should I Notify the State?
Crucially, please only notify your state’s Motor Vehicle Division after your vehicle has been successfully picked up by the tow vendor.
The specific procedures for releasing your liability for a donated vehicle vary by state. Our Vehicle Donor Service Representatives are knowledgeable about the specific requirements for each state and can provide you with the necessary steps. If you have any questions regarding how to properly notify your state about your vehicle donation, please call us at 833-300-5737 seven days a week during operating hours, or email us at [email protected].
