Guide to Buying a New Car
Donating a Car
Featured Resources
- Drivers License & ID
- First Time Drivers
- Registration & Titling
- Driving Records
- Locations & Hours
- Forms & Publications
- Motorcycles
- Commercial Drivers
- Safety & Statistics
- Dealers & Auto Industry
- Other DMV Information
- Car Insurance
- Tickets & Driving Schools
- Relocation Guide
- Driving Abroad
- Drivers Education
- Traffic Schools
- Practice Tests
- Defensive Driving
- Suspended License
- Traffic Tickets
- Paying Your Traffic Ticket
- DMV Point System
- Driver Handbook
- Traffic Ticket Attorneys
- Driving Records
- Vehicle History Reports
- Criminal Records
- Background Checks
- Free Credit Report
- Court Records
- Vital Records
- Guide to Buying a New Car
- Guide to Buying a Used Car
- Guide to Selling Your Car
- Donating a Car
- Auto Warranty
- Auto Loans
- State Regulations
- Buying and Selling FAQs
- Breaking News
- Recalls
- Stolen Vehicles
- Traffic Alerts
- 511 Traffic Systems
- Weather
- REAL ID
- Enhanced Driver License
- Identity Theft
- Buying & Selling
- Vehicle Maintenance
- Safety & Driving
- Car Basics
- Equipment & Technology
- Motorcycles & Other Vehicles
- Alternative Vehicles
- Travel & Recreation
Donating a Car
Nuts and Bolts
When donating a vehicle to charity, indicate the change of ownership by signing the back of the title.
You must also complete a sold notice, even though you're didn't "sell" your vehicle. By completing the notice, it frees the donor from liability charges stemming from accidents or tickets after the vehicle is released.
Be sure to remove the license plates from the vehicle, too. As a bonus, you might be eligible for a plate refund.
General Vehicle Donations Tips
While donating a vehicle to a charity may be a kind gesture, as well as being financially rewarding, potential donors should do their homework first.
To start, find out as much information as you can about the organization you're intending to use, including the percentage of the sale that goes to the organization, what they intend to do with the vehicle, and if the charity qualifies as a tax-exempt organization.
Unfortunately, scams are common in the vehicle donation field. To make matters worse, they can be hidden within the charitable organization, the organization re-selling the vehicle, or even the towing company. So, it's a smart move to check with the Better Business Bureau, the Arizona Attorney General's office, and the Secretary of State's office to see if the organization has a favorable track record and is registered with the state.
Tax Savings
While donating a vehicle could result in a significant savings on your taxes, the tax laws concerning vehicle donations are complicated. So, consult the Internal Revenue Service on the matter, or download the agency's A Donor's Guide to Vehicle Donations publication. Or consult with an accountant or a tax professional.
Finding a Charity
The IRS's Publication 78 lets you search for qualified charities. Or call the IRS Customer Service Accounts Services Division for Tax Exempt and Government Charities at (877)829-5500.
Remember that many religious organizations are not listed (they're not required to apply to the IRS), but still qualify. Call the number above to ask if it's approved.
Charities on the Web
There are many charities using the web as a donation tool. They either connect you to the charity of your choice, or collect your car for a specific cause. A few are:
.com
