| If you're thinking about donating a car to a charity or | | | | they are a registered 501(c)3 charity or other qualified |
| non-profit organization so you can get a tax deduction | | | | religious organization. Ask to see proof in writing. Once |
| a few questions may come to mind. First of all you're | | | | your car or other vehicle changes hands it will be hard |
| probably wondering what car donation organizations | | | | to get it back. You need to verify this so you know |
| are legitimate? Of course, you want to know that the | | | | that they can legally accept your car and that you can |
| charity or charitable organization you donate your car | | | | legally take a tax deduction. Religious organizations are |
| to is qualified and just not out to get your car for | | | | not required to get registered however. |
| selfish monetary gain. And know that you'll be able to | | | | Be aware that there are car donation intermediaries. |
| take a tax write-off. | | | | These are companies that advertise to get you to |
| You'll find there are many types of charitable | | | | donate your car to them and they take a good chunk |
| organizations including religious organizations such as | | | | of the profit. (Charities hire them to handle their car |
| churches, mosques, synagogues and temples. So | | | | donation programs.) It could be as much as 55% or |
| where do you begin. | | | | more. Ask if your charity uses an intermediary. If you |
| There are many national organizations as well as local | | | | want the profit to go directly to the charity you need |
| organizations. Many with names you've probably heard | | | | to choose one that does not go through an |
| like Goodwill, Purple Heart for our vets, and the Kidney | | | | intermediary. |
| foundation just to name a few. But local organizations | | | | Some charities charge a vehicle removal fee. Most |
| or local chapters of the national organizations will be | | | | legitimate charities will pick up you car or truck or other |
| coming to pick up your used car or tow it unless you | | | | vehicle without charging a fee. In addition, if you deliver |
| are able to drive the car to the charity after all | | | | it of course, there will be no fee. So make sure to ask |
| arrangements are made. | | | | if there is a removal fee. |
| You want to make sure that the charity or charitable | | | | So that's what you need to know to determine which |
| organization you choose is operating legitimately. Yes, | | | | charities or charitable organizations have legitimate car |
| there are car donation programs or organizations out | | | | donation programs. You may want to pick a name |
| there just looking to take your car and not providing | | | | that you know has been around for a long time and |
| what you need in terms of documentation for your | | | | check them out first. Most have local chapters so it |
| income tax return. | | | | should be easy. |
| However, you can avoid that by asking the charity if | | | | |