| If you're thinking about donating your car or truck to a | | | | which will reduce the negotiated selling price |
| local or national charity, here are a few tips that you | | | | If they farm it out to a car donation charity program, |
| should know. There are a few problems you can | | | | they've contracted with, to sell then they will get a lot |
| avoid if you do a little research first. Ultimately your | | | | less for it. And of course if they use it themselves or |
| goal may be to gain a good car donation tax | | | | give it away then their won't be a monetary gain. |
| deduction. The change in the tax laws make it easier | | | | 3. Before you donate your car to any charity you |
| now to get a good deduction. | | | | want to make sure it's a legitimate charity. If it's a large |
| 1. How the car donation charity uses your donated car. | | | | national organization then there will be less of a |
| Decide whether it's important to you or not if you | | | | problem. If it's a local charity then you may have to do |
| know how the charity is going to use your car. If so, | | | | some checking. You want to make sure they're eligible |
| you may want to give them a call. They may sell it on | | | | to receive contributions that are tax deductible, so you'll |
| a used car lot they maintain or farm it out to a charity | | | | receive the car donation tax deduction. So ask them if |
| car donation program or sell it on their own car lot. | | | | they have the "letter of determination" from the IRS. |
| They may use the car to transport people or goods | | | | Many charities accept cars, truck, and other vehicles |
| for their charitable work. Or they may give the car to | | | | and are not tied into providing you with a tax deduction. |
| a needy individual. | | | | Make sure to find this out in advance. |
| 2. How much money will the charity actually get from | | | | These are just a few of the tips you'll need to know if |
| you car donation. If the charity plans to sell the car it | | | | you plan to donate your car to a charity. Make sure to |
| will probably not get the 'blue book' value of the car. | | | | do a little research first to make sure you understand |
| There also will be expenses directly related to the sale | | | | just how much you may get for your car donation tax |
| - newspaper classified ads or their car lot costs, both | | | | deduction if they sell it, give it away or keep it. |