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 Lake Bluff, Illinois has never been easier! Dozens of great charities like United Way and Ronald McDonald House are standing by!

Just Want It Gone?

Our Favorite Hassle-Free Charities For Lake Bluff, Illinois

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 Lake Bluff A Great Choice?

There are so many reasons residents of Lake Bluff 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.
  • 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!
  • A sense of satisfaction for helping those in need.
  • No cost to you! Your car is picked up and towed at no cost no matter the condition!
  • 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 Lake Bluff, Illinois

1)

Goodwill Attended Donation Center

(224) 433-6785 1316 S Milwaukee Ave Libertyville, IL 60048 5.12 Miles Away
2)

The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center

(847) 336-8857 3559 Grand Ave Gurnee, IL 60031 6.37 Miles Away
3)

Foglia YMCA

(847) 438-5300 1025 N Old McHenry Rd Lake Zurich, IL 60047 12.08 Miles Away
4)

St Vincent De Paul

(262) 764-1985 7531 30th Ave Kenosha, WI 53142 19.50 Miles Away
5)

Habitat for Humanity ReStore Chicago

(773) 539-6040 6040 N Pulaski Chicago, IL 60646 21.06 Miles Away
6)

Rotary Club Playground

105 E North Ave Villa Park, IL 60181 27.87 Miles Away
7)

American Red Cross

(312) 729-6100 2200 W Harrison St Chicago, IL 60612 29.51 Miles Away
8)

American Cancer Society

(800) 227-2345 225 N Michigan Ave Ste 1200 Chicago, IL 60601 29.75 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.

Ronald McDonald House

The mission of RMHC is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families. A world where all children have access to medical care, and their families are supported and actively involved in their children's care.

The YMCA

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. We build strong kids, strong families, strong communities.

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.

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.

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.

Benefits of Donating A Vehicle In Lake Bluff, Illinois

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 Lake Bluff 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 Lake Bluff

You should always consult your legal and financial professionals prior to donating a car in Illinois 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 Lake Bluff, Illinois

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.

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 makes of vehicle can I donate?

Pretty much everything is accepted, including: Acura, Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler Dodge, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes, Mercury, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Volkswagen, Toyota, Volvo and more!

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).

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.