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 Mateo, California has never been easier! Dozens of great charities like Catholic Charities USA and Rotary International are standing by!

Just Want It Gone?

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

There are so many reasons residents of San Mateo 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 simple! Usually far easier than selling it.
  • A sense of satisfaction for helping those in need.
  • 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 San Mateo, California

1)

Goodwill

(650) 293-8500 28 W 25th Ave San Mateo, CA 94403 0.62 Miles Away
2)

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store

(650) 294-8912 40 N B St San Mateo, CA 94401 1.31 Miles Away
3)

Rotary Club of San Mateo

1700 Coyote Point Dr San Mateo, CA 94401 2.53 Miles Away
4)

Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco ReStore

(650) 847-4000 1411 Industrial Rd San Carlos, CA 94070 5.18 Miles Away
5)

The Salvation Army

(650) 368-4643 660 Veterans Blvd Redwood City, CA 94063 6.10 Miles Away
6)

Sequoia YMCA

(650) 368-4168 1445 Hudson St Redwood City, CA 94061 7.34 Miles Away
7)

American Cancer Society Discovery Shop

(650) 325-8939 748 Santa Cruz Ave Menlo Park, CA 94025 9.86 Miles Away
8)

American Red Cross

(415) 427-8000 1663 Market St San Francisco, CA 94103 16.36 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.

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.

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.

Feeding America

Feeding America's mission is to feed America's hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger.

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.

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.

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.

How To Donate A Car In San Mateo

Donating a car in San Mateo 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.

Benefits of Donating A Vehicle In San Mateo, 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 San Mateo 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!

FAQ - Donating A Car In San Mateo, California

Does my car have to run to donate it?

Definitely not! Towing is typically provided with no cost to you. While it doesn't need to run, you should make sure it's accessible prior to your appointment to have it picked up.

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 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!

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 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).