Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about our vehicle donation program. If it's easier, you can always call us at
877-423-6628
I am ready to donate a vehicle, what do i do?
Just give Donate Local a call at 877-423-6628 and we will schedule a time to pickup the vehicle that is convenient for you. Or, you can request a vehicle pickup on line. Click here to schedule a pickup through our easy to use online system.
I represent a nonprofit organization and i want to partner with Donate Local on a vehicle Donation program. How do i get started?
Getting started with Donate Local is easy. Just give us a little information about your nonprofit and we will reach out to you and get you going. In most cases, we can get you enrolled with Donate Local within 48 hours. Click here for the Donate Local enrollment form.
If I want to donate a vehicle, are there any costs or expenses for using Donate Local?
There are no costs, fees or expenses to the donor when donating a vehicle through Donate Local. The pickup is free and all processing and administrative expenses are covered by Donate Local.
What can I donate to Donate Local?
Pretty much anything with wheels or a rudder. Cars, trucks, trailers, RVs, boats, golf carts and in some cases motorcycles and riding mowers. If you're not sure if your vehicle qualifies, just give us a call. We're pretty friendly, and we can accommodate most donation pick ups.
Is it true my donation is tax deductible?
In nearly all cases the answer is yes. On our side, all of our charity partners are qualified non-profit charity organizations, and donations to any of them are tax deductible. As a donor, you may want to verify with your tax preparer the benefit you will receive.
What forms will i receive for my tax deductible vehicle donation?
Initially you will receive a receipt for a $500 deduction on a qualifying vehicle. When the vehicle is sold, and it sells for above $500, you will receive an IRS Form 1098-C that will reflect the full market value of the vehicle, and the amount available as a tax deduction. Note: you should review the deduction with your tax preparer.
How can i learn more about the tax implications of donating a vehicle through Donate Local?
The IRS has created a very helpful guide for those considering vehicle donation. IRS Publication 4303 - A Donor's Guide to Vehicle Donations - provides a lot of information and answers a lot of the tax related questions related to vehicle donation.
What does Donate Local do with my vehicle after picking it up?
Very Important. Many vehicles that are donated have been sitting and when they are picked up they don't run and they need a good wash and TLC. Donate Local will work to put the vehicle in running condition and clean it up to maximize the value. That extra effort, an effort that many vehicle donation programs are not setup to provide, helps Donate Local deliver more money to their charity partners and a larger tax deduction for donors.
Does Donate Local Require i have a current smog certificate to donate my vehicle?
No, Donate Local does not require a current smog certificate from donors when donating a vehicle
Does my registration need to be current on the vehicle i want to donate?
No, your vehicle registration does not need to be current for you to donate a vehicle through Donate Local.
Can I still donate my vehicle if I can't locate the title?
The short answer is probably yes. If you can't locate the title to the vehicle, just give us a call (toll free, of course) and we will work with you to figure it out. If you want to donate the vehicle, we can usually come up with a solution that is not a hassle for you.
Can I donate my car if it doesn't run?
You bet. With cars and trucks, we will go as far as 150 miles to pick up your vehicle, whether it runs, or not. For boats, trailers, RVs and other types of vehicles it's best to give us a call so we can be sure to send out the right equipment for pick-up.
How does Donate Local pickup my vehicle?
Donate Local will arrange for the pickup of your vehicle at a time that is convenient for you, the donor. Donate Local has a contract with a towing company that provides for scheduled vehicle pickup 24/7, 365 days a year. The towing company will determine the proper towing the proper towing equipment, depending on the condition of the vehicle, including a flatbed tow truck for vehicle that are not in running condition.
Does Donate Local accept the donation of business vehicles?
Yes, Donate Local accepts the donation of business vehicles. Frequently business owners find vehicle donation a solution for the disposition of vehicles when those vehicles are no longer in use.
How do I get my vehicle to you?
We will come to you and pick it up. Just pick up the phone, or fill out our online donation pick up form, and we will pick up your vehicle. It's really that easy. We will schedule the pick up for a time that is convenient for you.
Who determines the donation value of my vehicle?
The donation value of your vehicle, as outlined by the IRS, is the greater of $500 or the documented sale price of the vehicle. Donate Local is committed to delivering the greatest benefit possible to our charity partners on every vehicle donated, so we will do what we can to shine up and tune up the vehicle. That way, the cars sells for more, and you get a bigger tax benefit based on a higher documented sale price.
How will Donate Local pick up my car?
We wish we had one of those Star Trek transporters - we are working on it. However, until that project is complete we will rely on our vehicle towing and transport partner, Ace In The Hole Towing, to pick up your vehicle. Ace in the Hole has the special towing equipment needed to pick up vehicles of all shapes and sizes, regardless of condition.
Does Donate Local need much advance notice to schedule a donation pick up?
A little notice helps, like a day or two, but if you are short on time and need a vehicle picked up lickity split, we can usually get it done.
How do i schedule a pick up?
You can call us, or you can fill out our online donation form. Either way, we will reach out to you and schedule a pick up time that works for you.
Will I be notified when the vehicle i donate sells?
Generally, the answer is yes, as most donated vehicles sell for more than $500, which means Donate Local will be sending you an IRS Form 1098-C to show the full market value of the vehicle donated. If your vehicle sells for less than $500, you will not be notified.
Does Donate Local sell donated vehicles at auction, or does Donate Local sell vehicles at retail prices?
This is an important question for both donors and the nonprofit organization to which the vehicle is being donated. Donate Local does not sell donated vehicles at auction. Donate Local sells donated vehicles at retail prices whenever possible. In some cases, donated vehicles cannot be sold at a retail price due to condition, but in virtually every other instance, vehicles are sold for full retail value.
Why does it matter that Donate Local sells vehicles at retail value and does not sell donated vehicles at auction?
Simply put, selling vehicles at retail prices means more money for the nonprofit organization to which the vehicle has been donated and in almost all cases a bigger tax deduction for the donor. Yes, it takes extra effort to put a vehicle in running condition that has been sitting for months and may have a mechanical problem. Yes, it takes extra effort to take the time to thoroughly clean a donated vehicle and give it a shine that will attract a retail buyer. It's that extra effort that sets Donate Local apart from other vehicle donation programs.