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 Goleta, California has never been easier! Dozens of great charities like Americares and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) are standing by!

Just Want It Gone?

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

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

  • Help change the world! We don't all have the time and money to contribute to causes we care about, but this can be a great option for Washington residents!
  • Choose who benefits! Whether your cause is Animals, Veterans, Medical Research, the Environment, there's a non-profit for you!
  • It doesn't have to be running! No need to spend time and enrgy getting it in working order.
  • It's simple! Usually far easier than selling it.
  • Avoid long lines at the DMV! Most organizations will take care of the paperwork on your behalf!

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 Goleta, California

1)

Habitat For Humanity

(805) 692-2226 6860 Cortona Dr Ste A Goleta, CA 93117 0.56 Miles Away
2)

Salvation Army

(805) 964-8738 4849 Hollister Ave Santa Barbara, CA 93111 3.94 Miles Away
3)

Goodwill

(805) 899-3807 302 W Carrillo St Santa Barbara, CA 93101 8.87 Miles Away
4)

Ventura Family YMCA

(805) 642-2131 3760 Telegraph Rd Ventura, CA 93003 36.94 Miles Away
5)

American Red Cross Ventura County Chapter

(805) 987-1514 836 Calle Plano Camarillo, CA 93012 51.39 Miles Away
6)

Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks Street Fair

Moorpark Rd Brazil Street Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 58.91 Miles Away
7)

American Cancer Society Discovery Shop

(661) 324-1359 5420 California Ave Bakersfield, CA 93309 78.09 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.

Americares

To prevent disease and promote good health in vulnerable communities, Americares supports, designs and implements disease prevention and health education efforts that connect local clinics and hospitals with the communities they serve.

Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)

PBS is a membership organization that, in partnership with its member stations, serves the American public with programming and services of the highest quality, using media to educate, inspire, entertain and express a diversity of perspectives.

United Way

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

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

The mission of the ASPCA, as stated by Henry Bergh in 1866, is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

The National Kidney Foundation

The National Kidney Foundation, a major voluntary nonprofit health organization, is dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract diseases, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by kidney disease and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation.

What To Keep In Mind When Donating A Car In Goleta

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!

How To Donate A Car In Goleta

Donating a car in Goleta is a straightforward process, but there are a few steps you need to follow:

Preparation

Begin by preparing the necessary documentation to transfer ownership of the vehicle. Be sure to look up any specific requirements for the state. This usually includes the title for the automobile, which needs to be signed by the owner listed. In the event the owner is deceased, a death certificate and signature of the executor of the estate will usually suffice. The exact requirements vary by state, and most charities will be able to provide details when you call.

Choose A Charity

The next step is to choose a charity you wish to benefit from the donation. In order to receive the tax benefits, this will generally need to be an organization registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. You can verify the charity’s eligibility by calling the IRS hotline at 1-877-829-5500. There are tons of great charities to choose from, and we’ve compiled a great list for national and local organizations you may wish to consider here on this page.

Consult A Tax Professional

Ensuring you qualify for a tax deduction is best done by a professional Financial or Legal advisor. The information on this page is provided as a free resource to help get you started, and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified professional who is aware of your unique financial circumstances. Consider yourself warned!

Call or Request A Pickup Online

Once you’ve chosen your charity and consulted a professional, it’s time to arrange a pickup! Call or go online to register interest in the program and arrange a vehicle pickup. This can be done whether the car is in working order or not.

Complete The Pickup!

On the time and day of your choosing a tow-truck will arrive to retrieve the car. Make sure you have the paperwork discussed above ready to go! A receipt for the donation will be provided at the time of pickup and additional documentation may be mailed to you. Typically the organization will handle the paperwork with the DMV. Make sure you never hand over a signed title without listing the transferee! Again, you should consult with tax and legal professionals before completing this process and not rely solely on this information.

FAQ - Donating A Car In Goleta, California

Can I donate a car owned by a deceased relative?

This will vary by location and charity, but many will let you donate with a copy of the death certificate and signature of the estate's executor.

What are the alternatives to donating my car?

Donating the car directly isn't your only option. You can also sell the car for cash, and then donate that directly to ensure the maximum amount goes to the charity of your choice!

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.

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!

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!