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What You Need to Know about Car Donation
By: Seth Scolack
Donating your car to charity is a very generous act that can help many people. If you are considering giving your car away for charitable purposes, you may have some questions about the process and how your donation will benefit individuals in need. The following is a comprehensive list of questions pertaining to the car donation process. It is our hope that the answers will clarify your questions and help you to make the decision to give your old car away to a great cause!
What type of car can I donate?
This is perhaps the most common FAQ about car donation and the answer is: cars, trucks, boats, RV's, motor homes and motorcycles. Every charity has its own rules regarding what vehicles they accept, so as a rule, before choosing a charitable organization, find out what types of cars they accept.
My car failed the emission test, can I still donate it? Even if your car did not pass the emission test, your donation is still greatly appreciated! Cars can be repaired and if you are generous enough to give your car away to a good cause, most organizations will ensure that it gets properly fixed up!
Do I need any documents to donate my vehicle?
This is a car donation FAQ that is often overlooked by generous individuals who are eager to help someone else. Before donating your car to a charity, you need a clear title for the vehicle. If you cannot find this document, other official DMV paperwork may be accepted, as long as it proves that you are the rightful owner of the car.
Am I required to drop the vehicle off to my chosen charity?
Again, depending on which charity you choose, the procedure for car pickup will vary. Generally, most organizations will tow the car at no cost to you. If this is the protocol, you can expect to get a call from a towing company to arrange a convenient time for pickup. At this time, you will hand over the title and the keys to the car and complete all required paperwork. Of course, if you would like to drop off the car yourself, it will most certainly be appreciated!
What if you do not list my preferred charity?
We have compiled an extensive list of charities in both Canada and the United States, but of course, not all charities are listed here. If, for instance, you would like to donate to a church or another charitable organization that is not on our list, simply contact us and we will gladly make the necessary arrangements so that your car goes to a place you feel comfortable with.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Donations that are made to a not-for-profit organization classified under 501(c)[3] are usually tax deductible. To find out more information about tax deductions, consult an industry professional.
Will I be responsible for paying any fees after donating my car?
The simple answer is NO. Donating a car is a big deal and you will not be asked to pay any fees; your donation is money enough! However, should an "organization" ask you for money, you might want to verify if the charity is actually legitimate.
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About The Author Seth Scolack is an avid philanthropist who donates his time and experience in an effort to help others. He writes about nonprofit fundraising and provides other tips for making donations easy. Seth's Donate a Car to Charity - www.savvyseth.com. |
