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 Santa Clara, California has never been easier! Dozens of great charities like Make-A-Wish America and Heritage For The Blind are standing by!

Just Want It Gone?

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

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

  • It's not just for cars! Many programs accept motorcycles, RVs, boats, and other types of vehicles!
  • 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!
  • It doesn't have to be running! No need to spend time and enrgy getting it in working order.
  • Choose who benefits! Whether your cause is Animals, Veterans, Medical Research, the Environment, there's a non-profit for you!

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 Santa Clara, California

1)

Goodwill of Silicon Valley

(408) 247-2800 2800 El Camino Real Santa Clara, CA 95051 1.06 Miles Away
2)

The Salvation Army

(408) 247-4588 3090 Homestead Rd Santa Clara, CA 95051 2.10 Miles Away
3)

American Red Cross

(877) 727-6771 2731 N 1st St San Jose, CA 95134 2.65 Miles Away
4)

Central YMCA

(408) 298-1717 1717 The Alameda San Jose, CA 95126 3.21 Miles Away
5)

American Cancer Society Discovery Shop

(408) 737-7707 1659 Hollenbeck Ave Sunnyvale, CA 94087 4.41 Miles Away
6)

Rotary Club of Cupertino

(888) 613-5559 10185 North Stelling Rd Cupertino, CA 95014 4.87 Miles Away
7)

Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley

(408) 942-6444 513 Valley Way Milpitas, CA 95035 5.24 Miles Away
8)

St Vincent De Paul Society

(510) 792-3711 3777 Decoto Rd Fremont, CA 94555 14.76 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.

Make-A-Wish America

The mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation is to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. The children we serve are fighting for their lives, and their families are doing everything that they can to help them in their battles.

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.

American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society's mission is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer.

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.

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.

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.

What To Keep In Mind When Donating A Car In Santa Clara

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 Santa Clara

Donating a car in Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara, California

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.

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!

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 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!

What happens to my car after I donate it?

Most frequently, charities will sell the vehicle or use it for employees after adding value to it (minor repairs, cleaning, etc). Cars that can't be repaired are sold for parts.