Donating Your Car To Charity Is Easy As 1...2...3!

Step 1
Call or go online to describe the vehicle and arrange a pickup. Takes less than 5 minutes!

Step 2
You car is towed for free, at the time of your choosing. It doesn't matter if it runs or not!

Step 3
You receive a receipt for a deductable donation, and you help a good cause!

Donating your car in Dana Point, California has never been easier! Dozens of great charities like Heritage For The Blind and Americares are standing by!

Just Want It Gone?

Our Favorite Hassle-Free Charities For Dana Point, California

The Wounded Warrior Project
Call or go online to describe the vehicle and arrange a pickup. Takes less than 5 minutes!

Matching Donors (Organ Donation)
You car is towed for free, at the time of your choosing. It doesn't matter if it runs or not!

Why Is Donating Your Vehicle In Dana Point A Great Choice?

There are so many reasons residents of Dana Point should consider donating their used or junk cars to a registered charitable organization. Here are a few of our favorites:

  • No cost to you! Your car is picked up and towed at no cost no matter the condition!
  • It's not just for cars! Many programs accept motorcycles, RVs, boats, and other types of vehicles!
  • It doesn't have to be running! No need to spend time and enrgy getting it in working order.
  • Choose who benefits! Whether your cause is Animals, Veterans, Medical Research, the Environment, there's a non-profit for you!
  • It's tax deductible! Check with your tax professional, but many people are able to reduce their tax liability.

Make a difference for a cause you care about, get rid of your old junker, and get a juicy tax write-off!

Suggested Local Charities Near Dana Point, California

1)

Laguna Niguel Family YMCA

(949) 495-9622 29831 Crown Valley Pkwy Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 4.06 Miles Away
2)

American Cancer Society Discovery Shop

(949) 831-8523 27281 La Paz Rd Ste E Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 6.52 Miles Away
3)

Mission Viejo Rotary Club

(949) 480-9278 26200 Country Club Dr Mission Viejo, CA 92691 7.73 Miles Away
4)

Goodwill

(949) 470-2040 23740 El Toro Rd Ste A Lake Forest, CA 92630 9.86 Miles Away
5)

The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center

(949) 581-1605 23820 Mercury Rd Lake Forest, CA 92630 10.52 Miles Away
6)

American Red Cross - Laguna Hills Donor Center

(949) 455-7055 22971 Mill Creek Dr Laguna Hills, CA 92653 10.94 Miles Away
7)

Habitat for Humanity of Orange County

(714) 434-6200 2200 Ritchey St Santa Ana, CA 92705 18.84 Miles Away
8)

Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church

(714) 842-3000 8345 Talbert Ave Huntington Beach, CA 92646 22.83 Miles Away

National Charities

Charities near you aren't the only way to make a difference! Some of the most impactful organizations operate at the national (or international) level.

Heritage For The Blind

The mission of Heritage For The Blind is to assist in providing the tools necessary to help the blind and visually impaired independently explore and participate fully in society.

United Breast Cancer Foundation

United Breast Cancer Foundation's mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer. We strive to alleviate the stress and strain that cancer can cause to patients and families through fostering health and well-being with both traditional and holistic treatments.

United Way

The United Way improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good.

Goodwill International

Goodwill works to enhance people's dignity and quality of life by strengthening their communities, eliminating their barriers to opportunity, and helping them reach their full potential through learning and the power of work.

Saint Vincent De Paul

Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering in the tradition of its founder.

Catholic Charities USA

The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same.

Picking The Right Charity To Receive Your Car

One of the parts that can be challenging for many Dana Point residents is choosing the perfect charity to donate their vehicle to. There are a ton of great eligible organizations, so many that it can be a little overwhelming. Here's our recommended approach:

Make Sure It's An Eligible Non-Profit

This is technically the last step, but it's so important we're putting it first. If the tax write-off is important to you, make sure that you've chosen an eligible 501(c)(3) entity. There's a number you can call to verify this with the IRS at 1-877-829-5500.

Choose: Local Or National

One of the first decision points we recommend that you consider is whether the charity you want to donate to is local or national. Some people love the idea of helping folks right in their town or county, but some popular charities operate on a more national or global scale. Even most local charities in Dana Point or the surrounding areas have a national parent organization, so this is more important for people who really want to make sure the local community benefits. There's a list of nearby options provided above, but there are likely many more including theatre groups, food banks, and other great options you can find with a bit of effort!

Choose: Pick A Broad Cause

What do you care most about in the world? Is it animals? The environment? Veterans? Cancer or other Healthcare research? Choosing a broad category of beneficiary is a great way to start to narrow it down. No matter what you're thing, there's bound to be 1 or more organizations to choose from! This is one of the best ways to narrow the list down from every charity in the world to a handful of ones that you can research more closely.

Research: Charity Efficiency

Not all charities are created (and managed) equally. Some will allow more of your donation to reach the people or causes you care about than others, which may spend more on operational overhead, etc. There are a number of online resources that "grade" popular charities, and we recommend consulting one of them before you make the final call.

Listen To Your Heart!

At the end of the day, when donating a car in Orange County you should be able to feel good about the choice you've made. After all, you could just sell it and pocket the cash. You've chosen to contribute to something larger than yourself, so make sure whatever you choose is something your heart says is right!

What To Keep In Mind When Donating A Car In Dana Point

You should always consult your legal and financial professionals prior to donating a car in California to make ensure you're eligible for tax deductions, etc. Here are some common things to keep in mind and consult with them about:

Tax Itemization

To be eligible for tax deductions on your federal returns, you typically need to itemize your deductions. Recent changes to the federal tax code give a larger standard deduction, so fewer people are itemizing these days. Check with your tax preparer to see if you'll be eligible or not. You can also consult with them about any benefits if you file State taxes.

Charity Eligibility and Efficiency

Only donations to a registered 501(c)(3) are eligible for the tax benefits you're expecting. Be sure to carefully research the organization prior to donating to ensure they fall into this category. You should also verify that the charity has a good overall grade, to make sure that most of your contribution will go towards the cause you've selected.

Vehicle Valuation and Deduction Amount

Knowing what to expect if you are eligible for the deduction is another thing to keep in mind. Just because the fair market price for your vehicle is $2000, doesn't necessarily mean you can deduct that much. If they wind up selling the vehicle for less than market value (as is common), you'll only be eligible to deduct that amount. Once again, consult your registered tax professional prior to any action on your part.

Proper Transfer Of Ownership

Another thing to be careful about is the paperwork for the transfer of the vehicle. If the charity asks you to leave the assignment of ownership space on the charity donation papers blank, refuse and consider finding another organization. If they fail to transfer the title, you'll remain liable for any parking tickets, or other subsequent problems with the vehicle. Be sure to consult your legal advisor, prior to any donation to ensure you're covered!

FAQ - Donating A Car In Dana Point, California

How much can I deduct for donating a car?

This depends on a lot of factors and you should consult a tax professional for a definitive answer. In general, you'll be able to deduct the amount the charity sells the vehicle for or in some cases the fair market value.

What happens to my car after I donate it?

Most frequently, charities will sell the vehicle or use it for employees after adding value to it (minor repairs, cleaning, etc). Cars that can't be repaired are sold for parts.

How can I tell if a charity is a 501(c)(3)?

The IRS provides a hotline you can call to verify. The number is 1-877-829-5500.

Does it cost anything to donate my car?

The answer is almost always no, and if the organization wants you to pay any sort of fee directly to them you should be very cautious!

What paperwork do I need to donate my car?

Check with your state Department of Motor Vehicles or legal advisor to be sure. Typically you will need a copy of the title and signature of the registered owner.