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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 Vineyard, California has never been easier! Dozens of great charities like United Breast Cancer Foundation and Catholic Charities USA are standing by!

Just Want It Gone?

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

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

  • 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 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.

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 Vineyard, California

1)

Goodwill

(916) 478-9685 8437 Elk Grove Florin Rd Elk Grove, CA 95624 3.27 Miles Away
2)

American Cancer Society Discovery Shop

(916) 685-7449 8470 Elk Grove Blvd Ste 100 Elk Grove, CA 95758 6.01 Miles Away
3)

American Red Cross

(916) 368-3131 8928 Volunteer Ln Ste 100 Sacramento, CA 95826 6.28 Miles Away
4)

St Vincent De Paul Thrift Store

(916) 972-1212 2275 Watt Ave Sacramento, CA 95825 9.71 Miles Away
5)

Habitat For Humanity

(916) 440-1215 819 N 10th St Sacramento, CA 95811 12.43 Miles Away
6)

Rotary Club of Roseville

(916) 365-2867 105 Alta Vista Ave Roseville, CA 95678 19.79 Miles Away
7)

The Salvation Army

(209) 369-5896 525 W Lockeford St Lodi, CA 95240 23.27 Miles Away
8)

Gale Ranch YMCA Preschool

(925) 648-1201 2200 Brookcliff Cir San Ramon, CA 94582 58.52 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 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.

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.

Americares

To prevent disease and promote good health in vulnerable communities, Americares supports, designs and implements disease prevention and health education efforts that connect local clinics and hospitals with the communities they serve.

Saint Vincent De Paul

Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering in the tradition of its founder.

United Way

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

What To Keep In Mind When Donating A Car In Vineyard

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 Vineyard

Donating a car in Vineyard 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 Vineyard, California

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.

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.

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.

What paperwork do I need to donate my car?

Check with your state Department of Motor Vehicles or legal advisor to be sure. Typically you will need a copy of the title and signature of the registered owner.