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 South Pasadena, California has never been easier! Dozens of great charities like United Way and Rotary International are standing by!

Just Want It Gone?

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

There are so many reasons residents of South Pasadena 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.
  • It's simple! Usually far easier than selling it.
  • It's not just for cars! Many programs accept motorcycles, RVs, boats, and other types of vehicles!
  • It's tax deductible! Check with your tax professional, but many people are able to reduce their tax liability.
  • 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 South Pasadena, California

1)

American Red Cross

(626) 289-4414 625 E Main St Alhambra, CA 91801 2.26 Miles Away
2)

American Cancer Society

(626) 795-7774 50 N Hill Ave Ste 200 Pasadena, CA 91106 3.28 Miles Away
3)

Goodwill Southern California Retail Store

(626) 564-0335 183 Altadena Dr Pasadena, CA 91107 4.30 Miles Away
4)

Montebello Family YMCA

(323) 887-9622 2000 W Beverly Blvd Montebello, CA 90640 6.50 Miles Away
5)

The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center

(213) 389-6774 1940 W Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90006 8.36 Miles Away
6)

Habitat for Humanity

(310) 818-5224 8739 Artesia Blvd Bellflower, CA 90706 16.18 Miles Away
7)

St. Vincent de Paul

(562) 494-9955 2750 E Pacific Coast Hwy Long Beach, CA 90804 22.11 Miles Away
8)

Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks Street Fair

Moorpark Rd Brazil Street Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 41.45 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.

United Way

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

National Public Radio (NPR)

The mission of NPR, in partnership with its member stations, is to create a more informed public, one challenged and invigorated by a deeper understanding and appreciation of events, ideas, and culture within the United States and across the globe.

Benefits of Donating A Vehicle In South Pasadena, 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 South Pasadena 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!

What To Keep In Mind When Donating A Car In South Pasadena

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 South Pasadena, 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.

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 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.

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.

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!