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 Foster City, California has never been easier! Dozens of great charities like Rotary International and The YMCA are standing by!

Just Want It Gone?

Our Favorite Hassle-Free Charities For Foster City, 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 Foster City A Great Choice?

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

  • It's simple! Usually far easier than selling it.
  • A sense of satisfaction for helping those in need.
  • It doesn't have to be running! No need to spend time and enrgy getting it in working order.
  • You can help people in need right here in your community! Check below for our list of local charities near Woodinville.
  • No cost to you! Your car is picked up and towed at no cost no matter the condition!

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 Foster City, California

1)

Goodwill

(650) 293-8500 28 W 25th Ave San Mateo, CA 94403 2.36 Miles Away
2)

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store

(650) 294-8912 40 N B St San Mateo, CA 94401 3.36 Miles Away
3)

Rotary Club of San Mateo

1700 Coyote Point Dr San Mateo, CA 94401 3.93 Miles Away
4)

Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco ReStore

(650) 847-4000 1411 Industrial Rd San Carlos, CA 94070 3.97 Miles Away
5)

The Salvation Army

(650) 368-4643 660 Veterans Blvd Redwood City, CA 94063 4.79 Miles Away
6)

Sequoia YMCA

(650) 368-4168 1445 Hudson St Redwood City, CA 94061 6.23 Miles Away
7)

American Cancer Society Discovery Shop

(650) 325-8939 748 Santa Cruz Ave Menlo Park, CA 94025 8.43 Miles Away
8)

American Red Cross

(510) 429-3300 33641 Mission Blvd Union City, CA 94587 14.06 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.

Rotary International

The mission of Rotary International is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

The YMCA

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. We build strong kids, strong families, strong communities.

United Way

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

Volunteers of America

Volunteers of America is a movement organized to reach and uplift all people and bring them to the knowledge and active service of God.

St. Jude Children Hospital

The mission of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family's ability to pay.

Ronald McDonald House

The mission of RMHC is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families. A world where all children have access to medical care, and their families are supported and actively involved in their children's care.

Benefits of Donating A Vehicle In Foster City, California

Among the many reasons to donate a car to charity, here are some of the best:

Contributing To A Larger Cause

We all wish we had a ton of time and money to devote to the causes we care about, but this is often not the case. Giving your car to a local or national charitable organization can be a fantastic way to contribute without having to dig directly into your pocket. In fact, they may be doing you a favor by hauling away an old junker too!

Potential Tax Benefits

Donating your car can be a great way for some people to save at tax time too! Check with your financial advisor to ensure eligibility, but deductions of hundreds or thousands of dollars could definitely leave a smile on your face come tax season!

No Cost Vehicle Removal

Got an old clunker that's just taking up space in a driveway or garage? No problem! Most charities will happily accept vehicles that aren't running and have them picked up at no cost to you! It's a headache free way to rid yourself of a problem and put some cash in the pocket of a worthy charity.

Not Just For Cars!

Many donation programs local to Foster City and Nationally will happily accept other types of vehicles like motorcycles, RVs, Boats, 4x4s, and more! If you've got a vehicle you need to get rid of, this is always an option worth investigating!

What To Keep In Mind When Donating A Car In Foster City

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 Foster City, California

Am I guaranteed a tax deduction?

There are specific requirements for both the organization being donated to and your own tax filing situation. Check with your tax preparer for information specific to your circumstances.

What makes of vehicle can I donate?

Pretty much everything is accepted, including: Acura, Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler Dodge, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes, Mercury, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Volkswagen, Toyota, Volvo and more!

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.

Can I get a tax deduction for donating my car to any organization?

No. The organization must be recognized as a non-profit by the IRS (a 501(c)(3) business entity). Be sure to do your own research on any organization you plan to donate to before taking action (including any on our list).

What should I have ready when my vehicle is picked up for donation?

You'll generally need the title for the vehicle and signature of the registered owner. The organization will inform you of all requirements when you arrange the pickup window.