DONATE YOUR CAR
Give your old car a new purpose by donating it to A+ Auto and make a positive impact in your community
Donating a Car is Easy!
1-2-3 Easy Steps
FAQ
GENERAL QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DONATING MY VEHICLE?
1. Helps us to serve society better
2. Tax deduction
3. Save on costs related to your vehicle
4. Free up parking spot
WHAT TYPES OF VEHICLES DO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept most cars, trucks, trailers, boats, RVs, motorcycles, off road vehicles, heavy equipment, and other motorized vehicles.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO DONATE MY CAR?
You will need a clean TITLE. Any lien holder listed on the title must be cleared and/or released by the bank. This law varies by states.
HOW TO SIGN MY TITLE?
1. Only sign in the seller’s signature section, NEVER sign in the buyer’s section.
2. All sellers must print and sign their name EXACTLY as it appears on the front of the title.
3. NEVER use white out. Do not cross out or write over text on your title.
4. If you have a lien listed on your title then we need the lien to be signed off on the title or call the financial institution to obtain a lien release letter.
5. Use only black and/or blue ink.
DOES MY CAR HAVE TO BE RUNNING TO DONATE IT?
We can take your vehicle whether it’s running or not. However, it must be in one piece, have an engine, and be towable.
HOW QUICKLY CAN I GET MY VEHICLE PICKED UP?
You will be contacted within 24 hours to start the donation process and schedule your pick-up.
WHAT IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE AFTER IT’S DONATED?
After we have picked up the vehicle, we take full responsibility. In the rare event that you receive any notification of a lien sale, DMV actions, infractions, evasions or other activity related to your donated vehicle, please contact us at 1-800-822-3828 immediately for assistance. Please note that you are liable for all fines/fees related to your vehicle prior to the pickup.
DMV QUESTIONS
HOW DO I KNOW MY TITLE IS A CLEAN, TRANSFERABLE TITLE?
1. The title must be in your name, with no cross-outs, white out, or errors.
2. All liens must be released, if there is a lien listed on your title, it must be signed off on the title or you must provide a separate lien release document.
DO I NEED TO REMOVE MY LICENSE PLATES?
In most states, you should remove the license plate and return it to the DMV. In others such as California, the license plate must remain with the vehicle.
WHAT IF I DO NOT HAVE THE TITLE?
Contact your state DMV to obtain a new title.
DOES MY TITLE NEED TO BE NOTARIZED?
Some states do require the title or transfer forms to be notarized, please check with your state DMV for clarification.
WHAT IF THE TITLE IS NOT IN MY NAME?
Contact your state DMV to transfer the title into your name.
THERE ARE 2 PEOPLE LISTED ON THE TITLE, DO BOTH OF US NEED TO SIGN?
Yes. If there are 2 owners listed on the front of a title, the majority of the time, both people will need to sign as the seller. If there is an ‘or’ in between the names, typically only 1 signature is required.
DO I NEED TO NOTIFY THE DMV WHEN I DONATE MY VEHICLE?
Each state has different criteria on how to notify the DMV. Some states require the license plates to be returned to the DMV. In the states of Arizona, California, Illinois, Minnesota and Washington, you must also turn in a release of liability to the DMV. In Washington, Illinois and Minnesota, this form is called a Report of Sale.
WHAT IF MY CAR’S REGISTRATION ISN’T CURRENT?
Most states do not require your registration to be current. As long as you have the most current title you are able to donate; however, in the state of Oklahoma, your registration must be current in order for us to accept your donation.
TAX QUESTIONS
WILL I GET A TAX RECEIPT FOR MY DONATION?
Yes. You will receive an initial donation receipt at the time of your vehicle pick-up. You will then be mailed a tax receipt within 30 days of the sale of the vehicle. This acknowledgement will indicate your name as well as the year, make, model, and VIN. It will be your only receipt if your vehicle sells for less than $500.
If your vehicle sells for more than $500 and your tax identification number has been provided, an “IRS Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes” will be mailed to you.
WILL MY DONATION COUNT FOR THE YEAR I SUBMIT MY DONATION FORM?
Yes! As long as you submit your donation form by December 31 for a vehicle with a clean title, you will receive a tax deduction for the same tax year.
HOW IS THE VALUE OF MY VEHICLE DETERMINED?
The value is determined by the gross proceeds raised from the sale of the donated vehicle. You no longer have the burden of determining the value yourself. The nonprofit organization will report the gross proceeds raised from the sale of the vehicle to the donor and IRS.
TAX BENEFITS OF CAR DONATION
When you donate through our program you are eligible for a tax deduction. However, to claim your deduction you need to itemize it on your income tax return.
In 2005, the IRS changed the laws related to tax deductibility of car donations because of exaggerated deductions based on inflated book values. Under the new rules, the deductible amount of your vehicle donation is directly related to the selling price of your vehicle.
HERE ARE SOME CAR DONATION TAX TIPS:
1. Make sure the charity is eligible to receive tax deductible contributions. The most common types of qualified organizations are section 501(c)(3) organizations, such as charitable, educational, or religious organizations. Visit IRS.gov to search for registered charities.
2. If the car is worth $5,000 or more, an independent appraisal may be necessary. The donor would fill out Section B of IRS Form 8283.
3. Consult your tax adviser or the IRS for more information about how you can claim charitable deductions. The IRS can answer your tax questions and can provide tax forms, publications, and other reading materials for further assistance. IRS materials are accessible through the Internet at www.irs.gov, through telephone ordering at (800) 829-3676, and at IRS walk-in offices in many areas across the country.
CHARITY CAR DONATION HELP LINKS
If you have additional question about deductions and IRS Regulations, the following links may be of assistance:
IRS Publication 4303, A Donor’s Guide to Car Donations (PDF)
Publication 526, Charitable Contributions (PDF)
Publication 561, Determining the Value of Donated Property (PDF)
Form 8283 Noncash Charitable Contributions (PDF)
Instructions for Form 8283, Noncash Charitable Contributions (PDF)