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 San Jose, California has never been easier! Dozens of great charities like The Wounded Warrior Project and American Red Cross are standing by!

Just Want It Gone?

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

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

  • 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.
  • No cost to you! Your car is picked up and towed at no cost no matter the condition!
  • A sense of satisfaction for helping those in need.
  • 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!

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 San Jose, California

1)

Rotary Club of San Jose

(408) 297-6100 1690 Senter Rd San Jose, CA 95112 1.42 Miles Away
2)

Goodwill of Silicon Valley

(408) 677-3671 1640 E Capitol Express Way San Jose, CA 95121 2.11 Miles Away
3)

Salvation Army

(408) 998-2064 359 N 4th St San Jose, CA 95112 3.71 Miles Away
4)

Habitat For Humanity Restore - San Jose

(408) 933-3608 1608 Las Plumas Ave San Jose, CA 95133 4.12 Miles Away
5)

Central YMCA

(408) 298-1717 1717 The Alameda San Jose, CA 95126 4.64 Miles Away
6)

American Cancer Society

(408) 688-0100 747 Camden Ave Campbell, CA 95008 5.88 Miles Away
7)

American Red Cross

(877) 727-6771 2731 N 1st St San Jose, CA 95134 7.62 Miles Away
8)

St Vincent De Paul Society

(510) 792-3711 3777 Decoto Rd Fremont, CA 94555 21.19 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.

The Wounded Warrior Project

The mission of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. Our vision is to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation's history.

American Red Cross

The Red Cross, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavors—in its international and national capacity—to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How To Donate A Car In San Jose

Donating a car in San Jose 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.

What To Keep In Mind When Donating A Car In San Jose

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 San Jose, California

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 Charity should I donate my car to?

This is a personal choice you should make based on what matters to you. There are charities for just about every cause imaginable! Our preferred charities are the Wounded Warrior and American Cancer Society if you really can't choose!

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 Type Of Vehicles Can I Donate?

Many! Contact the charity for more info, but commonly accepted vehicles include Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, JetSkis, Flatbeds, RVs, Mini Bikes, Trailers, Cargo Vans, and more!

Do I have to be home when a donated car is picked up?

Check with the organization you're donating to, but the answer is typically no - as long as all personal items are removed, the car is accessible, and the required documentation is left in the glove compartment.