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 Arlington, Virginia has never been easier! Dozens of great charities like Heritage For The Blind and United Way are standing by!

Just Want It Gone?

Our Favorite Hassle-Free Charities For Arlington, Virginia

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 Arlington A Great Choice?

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

  • No cost to you! Your car is picked up and towed at no cost no matter the condition!
  • It doesn't have to be running! No need to spend time and enrgy getting it in working order.
  • It's tax deductible! Check with your tax professional, but many people are able to reduce their tax liability.
  • It's simple! Usually far easier than selling it.
  • 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!

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 Arlington, Virginia

1)

Goodwill

(703) 769-3711 10 South Glebe Rd Arlington, VA 22204 0.60 Miles Away
2)

American Red Cross

(202) 728-6400 2131 K St NW Washington, DC 20037 3.33 Miles Away
3)

The Salvation Army Family Store & Adult Rehabilitation Center

(703) 642-9270 6528 Little River Tpke Alexandria, VA 22312 4.95 Miles Away
4)

St Vincent De Paul

(202) 488-1354 14 M St SE Washington, DC 20003 4.99 Miles Away
5)

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

(703) 360-6700 869 S Pickett St Alexandria, VA 22304 5.58 Miles Away
6)

American Cancer Society

(703) 938-5550 124 Park St SE Ste 100 Vienna, VA 22180 8.81 Miles Away
7)

YMCA

(443) 394-6023 10902 Reisterstown Rd Owings Mills, MD 21117 41.39 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.

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.

United Way

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

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.

Habitat For Humanity

Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

American Cancer Society

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

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.

Picking The Right Charity To Receive Your Car

One of the parts that can be challenging for many Arlington 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 Arlington 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 Arlington 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!

Benefits of Donating A Vehicle In Arlington, Virginia

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 Arlington 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!

FAQ - Donating A Car In Arlington, Virginia

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.

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.

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.

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.