Donate a Car FAQs

What can I donate?

We gladly accept donations (any condition) such as:

• Auto Donation
• Van Donation
• SUV Donation
• Truck Donation

Certain restrictions apply to the following donations:

• Boat Donation
• Jet Ski Donation
• Trailer Donation
• Motorcycle Donation
• Motorhome/ RV Donation
• forklift Donation
• Tractor Donation
• Heavy Equipment Donation

My car hasn’t run in years. Can I still donate it?

Yes. The vehicle must have a motor and transmission!

What will I receive for my car when it is picked up?

The tow truck driver will provide you with an IRS tax form and a receipt from the charity.

What do I need to donate my vehicle?

We would like the keys and title with your donation, but if you don’t have either of these please call us anyway.

We will make arrangements to pick it up. Call toll-free 1-800-694-9335 seven days a week.

What do I need to know about signing my title?

When signing your title, please make certain that you print and sign your name
as the “Seller” in EXACTLY the way it appears on the face of the title.

I lost the title for my car, can I still donate it?

Yes. We can accept a copy of your driver’s license and an old registration or
insurance card in place of the title. Please call 1-800-694-9335 with any questions.

How long will it take to pick up my car?

In some cases we can pickup your vehicle the same day or next day. Otherwise whenever may be convenient for you.

Do you accept car donations with mechanical problems?

Yes! Even these cars have some value.

My car is at the mechanic and I don’t want to fix it. Will you pick it up there?

Yes. We can pick it up as long as there are no outstanding charges.

My car did not pass the emission test? Can I still donate it?

Even if it failed the emission test we will be happy to accept it.

Do I need to be at home when you pick up my car donation?

You do not need to be at home.
Most of our repeat donors simply clean the vehicle of any personal belongings and
leave the cars keys and title under the mat. Your paperwork can be left in a mailbox.

Why doesn’t The American Children’s Society provide financial compensation (cash, vacations) in exchange for my donation?

As a legitimate charity American Children’s Society complies with all IRS regulations.

As per IRS tax law a charity may not provide goods or services in exchange for your donation without disclosing the “gift” to the IRS.

Should the charity disclose this amount of compensation provided, you would be required to deduct that compensation from your tax deduction as well as pay taxes on the financial incentive provided to you. Failure to do so could lead to an IRS audit.

Therefore it would be dishonest for a legitimate charity to provide compensation for a donation when the result of this “gift” is a tax liability for the donor.

How does my tax deduction work?

The IRS allows you, the taxpayer, to claim a tax deduction of
(a) the value of your vehicle up to $500 or

(b) if we sell the vehicle for more than $500 we will mail you a completed IRS tax form 1098-C with that value for your tax purposes.
Additionally, in some cases, the Fair Market Value may be issued to the donor.

For additional information, the IRS provides a Donor’s Guide to Car Donations which sets forth the manner in which the IRS requires you to determine the value of your donated property.

Here is a link to
IRS Publication 4303 — A Donor’s Guide to Car Donations. You need Adobe Reader to view this file -
click here to download the free Reader.

Please feel free to contact us with any further questions you may have at 1-800-694-9335.