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 Streamwood, Illinois has never been easier! Dozens of great charities like Americares and Sierra Club are standing by!

Just Want It Gone?

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

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

  • 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!
  • 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.
  • It's not just for cars! Many programs accept motorcycles, RVs, boats, and other types of vehicles!
  • Avoid long lines at the DMV! Most organizations will take care of the paperwork on your behalf!

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 Streamwood, Illinois

1)

Goodwill

(630) 837-1410 1420 S Il Rt 59 Bartlett, IL 60103 4.87 Miles Away
2)

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

(847) 742-9905 800 N State St Elgin, IL 60123 6.51 Miles Away
3)

The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center

(800) 728-7825 91 E North Ave Glendale Heights, IL 60139 9.28 Miles Away
4)

Rotary Club Playground

105 E North Ave Villa Park, IL 60181 10.67 Miles Away
5)

St Vincent De Paul Society

(630) 628-9008 90 W Lake St Addison, IL 60101 11.37 Miles Away
6)

Table Tennis Club at YMCA

(630) 858-0100 49 Deicke Dr Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 12.24 Miles Away
7)

American Cancer Society

(630) 932-1141 1801 Meyers Rd Ste 100 Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 15.26 Miles Away
8)

American Red Cross

(312) 729-6100 2200 W Harrison St Chicago, IL 60612 27.50 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

What To Keep In Mind When Donating A Car In Streamwood

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!

Picking The Right Charity To Receive Your Car

One of the parts that can be challenging for many Streamwood residents is choosing the perfect charity to donate their vehicle to. There are a ton of great eligible organizations, so many that it can be a little overwhelming. Here's our recommended approach:

Make Sure It's An Eligible Non-Profit

This is technically the last step, but it's so important we're putting it first. If the tax write-off is important to you, make sure that you've chosen an eligible 501(c)(3) entity. There's a number you can call to verify this with the IRS at 1-877-829-5500.

Choose: Local Or National

One of the first decision points we recommend that you consider is whether the charity you want to donate to is local or national. Some people love the idea of helping folks right in their town or county, but some popular charities operate on a more national or global scale. Even most local charities in Streamwood or the surrounding areas have a national parent organization, so this is more important for people who really want to make sure the local community benefits. There's a list of nearby options provided above, but there are likely many more including theatre groups, food banks, and other great options you can find with a bit of effort!

Choose: Pick A Broad Cause

What do you care most about in the world? Is it animals? The environment? Veterans? Cancer or other Healthcare research? Choosing a broad category of beneficiary is a great way to start to narrow it down. No matter what you're thing, there's bound to be 1 or more organizations to choose from! This is one of the best ways to narrow the list down from every charity in the world to a handful of ones that you can research more closely.

Research: Charity Efficiency

Not all charities are created (and managed) equally. Some will allow more of your donation to reach the people or causes you care about than others, which may spend more on operational overhead, etc. There are a number of online resources that "grade" popular charities, and we recommend consulting one of them before you make the final call.

Listen To Your Heart!

At the end of the day, when donating a car in Cook County you should be able to feel good about the choice you've made. After all, you could just sell it and pocket the cash. You've chosen to contribute to something larger than yourself, so make sure whatever you choose is something your heart says is right!

FAQ - Donating A Car In Streamwood, Illinois

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.