Donating a Car

How to Donate a Car to Charity

In Alabama, donating a car to charity is simple process and often tax-deductible.

Once you've decided on the charity, provide documents to transfer ownership. If you've lost the vehicle title, apply for a replacement before donating your car.

On the back of the title, sign as the seller in the top box marked "Assignment of Title."

Remove the license plate from the car and destroy it; Alabama does not require that you return it.

Don't forget to cancel your insurance on the car after you've signed it over to the charity.

Word of Caution

Be sure the charity you've chosen to donate your vehicle to is reputable. As with any major transaction, do some research before you hand over the keys. When you decide on the right one, be sure to get a receipt for your donation, complete with their name, address, and federal ID or non-profit status number. Detail the vehicle description on the receipt, including the Vehicle Identification Number, make, model, style, and color. Keep this receipt for your records.

Finding Charities

Charity 4 Cars provides a lengthy list of charities in Alabama who accept vehicles as donations.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) lists every tax-exempt organization, except for religious organizations. To verify a church's tax-exempt status call the IRS Customer Account Services Division for Tax Exempt and Government Entities at (877) 829-5500.