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 Lakeside, California has never been easier! Dozens of great charities like Habitat For Humanity and Salvation Army are standing by!

Just Want It Gone?

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

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

  • 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.
  • Avoid long lines at the DMV! Most organizations will take care of the paperwork on your behalf!
  • 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 Lakeside, California

1)

American Red Cross WIC

(800) 500-6411 564 N 2nd St El Cajon, CA 92021 4.20 Miles Away
2)

Goodwill Thrift Store

(619) 328-6807 420 N 2nd St El Cajon, CA 92021 4.33 Miles Away
3)

John A Davis Family YMCA

(619) 464-9622 8881 Dallas St La Mesa, CA 91942 7.48 Miles Away
4)

St Michael's Thrift Shop - St Vincent De Paul

(858) 486-6848 12845 Poway Rd Ste 210 Poway, CA 92064 11.03 Miles Away
5)

The Salvation Army Truck

W Bernardo Dr San Diego, CA 92128 14.05 Miles Away
6)

San Diego Habitat For Humanity

(619) 283-4663 8128 Mercury Ct San Diego, CA 92111 14.29 Miles Away
7)

American Cancer Society

(619) 299-4200 2655 Camino Del Rio San Diego, CA 92108 14.59 Miles Away
8)

Rotary Club of Naval Base

(760) 713-6289 2375 Recreation Way San Diego, CA 92136 17.30 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.

Habitat For Humanity

Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

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.

Sierra Club

To explore, enjoy and protect the planet. To practice and promote the responsible use of the earth's ecosystems and resources; to educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and to use all lawful means to carry out those objectives.

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 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.

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.

Benefits of Donating A Vehicle In Lakeside, 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 Lakeside 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!

How To Donate A Car In Lakeside

Donating a car in Lakeside 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 Lakeside, California

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.

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.

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!

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.