How To Find A Good Charity In Which To Donate Car

By Michael Vitt


When one needs to get rid of an old or non-working car, often it can be difficult to sell same. However, there are other options for discarding such used items. For example, one now has to the option to donate car, working or otherwise, to a variety of organizations.

Although, before donating any such vehicle, one may want to consider obtaining an estimate of the value related to same. For, whether such a vehicle may be working or otherwise, one can only receive a tax credit equal to the proceeds which an organization receives off the sell of same. As such, to assure the charitable organization understands the value of such a vehicle, one may want to include such an estimate when making a donation.

Although, charitable organizations are not the only one who benefit from such transactions. For, often those who donate vehicles receive a tax credit in exchange. As such, one can then add any vehicle donations to all charitable contributions which one has made during the current tax year.

Still, while car donation advertising has become more prevalent and more individuals are considering donating vehicles more than ever before, there are a few steps which an individual must take before one can receive a tax deduction for a donation. For example, donors must meet specific post-donation requirements in order to qualify to receive a deduction. However, if one simply needs to get rid of an older or non-working car to make space and has no need for a tax credit or deduction, many charitable organizations are still more than happy to take such an automobile as a donation without issuing such a credit.

Although, there may be others who have no need for such a tax deduction but need to rid oneself of an old automobile or automobiles. As such, one can often donate a number of vehicles and other items to various charities without requesting such a credit. However, unless one has written proof of such donations, one is not going to be able to request a tax credit or deduction for the current tax year.

Also, if any one vehicle is worth less than five hundred dollars, then the owner must provide an estimate of the value which can at times be more than the charity may receive in such a sale. Of course, deductions of greater than $500 are limited to the amount such a charity may receive for the vehicle whether at auction, for junk metal value or on the open market.

In addition, one may want to read through all tax related paperwork and instructions relating to such donations. For, often such tax laws can change quickly and without notice. As such, it is good to read any and all instructions related to IRS paperwork each and every year before preparing taxes, requesting such credits or filing same.

To this end, although a few critics remain objectionable to such tax credits, such programs have helped numerous individuals and organizations since 2000. In fact, over 700,000 vehicles have been donated with proceeds of more than five hundred fifty million received by various organizations. As such, it appears that while some may believe such programs only offer a tax-shelter, statistics tend to show that such programs are providing a great deal of help, not only to organizations but also to individuals who have decided to donate car to such charities.




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