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 Bellevue, Washington has never been easier! Dozens of great charities like Ronald McDonald House and The Wounded Warrior Project are standing by!

Just Want It Gone?

Our Favorite Hassle-Free Charities For Bellevue, Washington

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 Bellevue A Great Choice?

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

  • 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!
  • It's not just for cars! Many programs accept motorcycles, RVs, boats, and other types of vehicles!
  • 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!
  • 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 Bellevue, Washington

1)

American Red Cross

(206) 323-2345 1900 25th Ave S Seattle, WA 98144 6.79 Miles Away
2)

Goodwill Seattle

(206) 860-5711 1400 S Lane St Seattle, WA 98144 7.45 Miles Away
3)

Society of St Vincent de Paul

(206) 767-9975 5972 4th Ave S Seattle, WA 98108 8.76 Miles Away
4)

Habitat for Humanity

(206) 453-2950 560 Naches Ave SW Ste 110 Renton, WA 98057 9.07 Miles Away
5)

Northshore Branch YMCA

(425) 485-9797 11811 NE 195th St Bothell, WA 98011 11.99 Miles Away
6)

The Salvation Army Donation Center

(206) 587-0503 12906 Bothell Everett Everett, WA 98208 19.80 Miles Away
7)

American Cancer Society Discovery Shop

(360) 613-4139 10600 Silverdale Way Ste E Silverdale, WA 98383 25.15 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.

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 Wounded Warrior Project

The mission of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. Our vision is to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation's history.

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.

American Cancer Society

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

Sierra Club

To explore, enjoy and protect the planet. To practice and promote the responsible use of the earth's ecosystems and resources; to educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and to use all lawful means to carry out those objectives.

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.

How To Donate A Car In Bellevue

Donating a car in Bellevue 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.

What To Keep In Mind When Donating A Car In Bellevue

You should always consult your legal and financial professionals prior to donating a car in Washington 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 Bellevue, Washington

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 are the alternatives to donating my car?

Donating the car directly isn't your only option. You can also sell the car for cash, and then donate that directly to ensure the maximum amount goes to the charity of your choice!

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!