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Donation From: MARY G. I chose Wheels for Wishes as a donation service after reading the positive reviews online. They were professional, arrived as scheduled, and provided me with all the necessary paperwork. The donation coordinator and the towing service professional were both courteous and accommodating. They made donating to a worthy cause super convenient and the tax donation was very generous.Donation From: MARY G. I chose Wheels for Wishes as a donation service after reading the positive reviews online. They were professional, arrived as scheduled, and provided me with all the necessary paperwork. The donation coordinator and the towing service professional were both courteous and accommodating. They made donating to a worthy cause super convenient and the tax donation was very generous.
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See who you're Helping

Ethan, 6 years old, wish to be a garbageman, cystic fibrosis
Ethan, 6 years old, wish to be a garbageman, cystic fibrosis
Areice, 5 years old, wish to be a pirate, cancer
Areice, 5 years old, wish to be a pirate, cancer

Together we make an impact

$116,624,866

As of October 2024, based on the average cost of a wish, donors like you have helped Wheels for Wishes to grant more than 13,872 wishes and counting.

What Types Of Vehicles Can Be Donated?

Donate Your Car Or Truck And Help Local Kids

Wheels For Wishes Accepts Boats Too!

Learn About Donating A Motorcycle

Discover How To Donate Your Old RV Or Motorhome

How To Get The Most Tax Benefit Out Of Your Vehicle

Donating your car or vehicle to charity can be a great way to get a 2024 federal tax deduction (state income tax deductibility depends on state law), and Wheels For Wishes makes it easy. If you would like to help your local Make-A-Wish® and get the maximum tax deduction, then you're already almost done. It's as simple as filling out the little form to the right or calling 1-855-278-9474. We make the process easy, and you get the most good (and highest tax deduction) for your car. Not only that, but you are also helping a local child's wish come true.

7-year-old Jax, diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, wished for a kayaking adventure

how car donation tax deduction works

The information below is intended to provide general information only and is not intended to be tax advice. Tax issues are individual to each donor and change year to year. Please check with your own accountants, advisors and tax preparers with regard to all deductions, tax preparation and tax advice issues.

Prior to January 2005, the IRS was allowing people who donated to a qualified car donation program to take a tax deduction based on their vehicle's market value no matter how much or how little the vehicle sold for. Determining the market value of a donated vehicle is often quite difficult and time-consuming, which made determination of the amount of the tax deduction confusing. Fortunately, as a result of the new tax law that went into effect in January 2005, the IRS has taken the guesswork out of determining the value of your donated car, truck, RV, boat or other vehicle.

The IRS allows taxpayers to claim A charitable tax deduction as follows:

  • We make it easy to get the maximum tax deduction for your vehicle donation! Simply filling out the quick form to the right (or call 1-855-278-9474) and we take care of the rest. Your vehicle is picked up, sold, and proceeds benefit your local Make-A-Wish®, but you also get a tax-deductible receipt.
  • If the donated vehicle is sold for less than $500, you can claim the fair market value of your vehicle up to $500 or the amount it is sold for if less than fair market value.
  • If the donated vehicle sells for more than $500, you can claim the exact amount for which the vehicle is sold.

For any vehicle sold for more than $500, the exact amount it is sold for will be stated on your notification mailed to you, which in turn will be your charitable tax deduction. As always, we help people donate their cars every day, and we would be happy to help you do the same. Feel free to call us at 1-855-278-9474 with any questions you might have and one of our representatives will help you.

6-year-old Addison, diagnosed with leukemia, wished to meet a unicorn

Make Sure That You Donate To A Real Charity!

Wheels For Wishes is a 501(c)(3) organization with the IRS, which means that you get a tax right off for donating a car. Car donors can claim a tax deduction of the vehicle's fair market value under these following situations:

  • The non-profit charitable organization makes certain use of the car in charitable deeds. This is the category that Wheels For Wishes falls under.
  • The charitable organization increases the value of the vehicle significantly through repairs (not just cleaning or painting).
  • The charity donates or sells the vehicle to an individual in need for a very low (below market) price for the purpose of helping them with transportation.

We help Make-A-Wish chapters all over our great nation to grant more wishes. Make sure to avoid scam car donation programs that are not a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. If you donate your car to a car donation program that is not registered as a charity with the IRS your car donation will not be tax deductible.

You can help your local Make-A-Wish chapter to grant more kids' wishes

Why Donate A Car To Wheels For Wishes?

Wheels For Wishes has a great track record for donated vehicles! Trustpilot gives Wheels For Wishes an Excellent rating with over 5,900 reviews and counting. Just check out some of these reviews:

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  • “Excellent experience. Made the whole donation process a piece of cake. I am very thankful for that since I live nowhere near Memphis where the vehicle was donated.”
  • “Smooth sailing from picking up the car to receiving receipt.”
  • “This turn around in picking up my car was within 14 hours. They were on the ball and very efficient in sending us our donation receipt in the mail! A very smooth process! Highly recommend!!”
  • “This is my family's 3rd donation to this organization and we have had no problems.”
  • “Our car donation process was easy and went smoothly. The car was picked up as scheduled and later when the car was sold at auction we received notice on the price it sold at for tax purposes. Great experience.”

With Wheels For Wishes, you’ll be donating a vehicle for tax write-off in no time. So, how much tax credit do you get for donating a car? If you are still confused about just how much of a tax deduction you can receive for donating your vehicle, call us at 1-855-278-9474 for answers to any questions you may have on deductions for car donations.

How Do I Donate A Vehicle For Tax Deduction?

Make-A-Wish kid Bryce smiling
Tax deductible car donations like yours provide wishes for kids like 3 year old Bryce’s wish to have a pool!
  1. Call 1-855-278-9474 or visit our online donation form.
  2. Next, we’ll arrange your free tow of almost any vehicle within 24 hours of the next business day.
  3. Finally, when the car donation process is complete, we’ll mail you your tax-deductible receipt.

If your car is brand new, broken down, old, or just plain junky you can still receive a tax deduction when you donate your vehicle to Wheels For Wishes. To the “wish kids” of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, your car donation gives them a break from routine medical treatment and a life-changing experience that they can cherish for the rest of their lives.

Maximize your tax deduction today by starting your online car donation form and make a difference in a child’s life. It will take less than a minute to fill out the donation form and a representative will get in touch with you in less than 24 hours of finishing the form.

You might think of your vehicle as nothing more than a “junk car”, but to the “wish kids” of Make-A-Wish, your donation can give them a life-changing experience. Join others in your community who have been donating their cars to benefit children who want to live their dreams.

Proceeds from donated cars go to Wheels For Wishes, a tax-exempt charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code, benefiting your local Make-A-Wish Foundation®. Since 2010, Wheels For Wishes has donated over $116 million toward granting over 13,872 wishes for local children.

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You've Got Questions? We've Got Answers!

What Paperwork Do I Need To Donate My Vehicle?

In most cases, we will need the title to the vehicle, but each state has its own requirements. Even if you do not have title papers, call us anyway; other arrangements can be worked out in most cases. You may contact us by calling us toll-free at 1-855-278-9474.

If your state requires a notary to sign the document, do not sign the title until you are in the presence of a notary. If you cannot locate or have lost the Certificate of Title, we can help you obtain the proper documentation.

We appreciate your car donation, and we want to help make that possible for you. If you have any other questions, you can look at our car donation FAQ. Our representatives are standing by on the phone, ready to help you identify any paperwork you need to donate your vehicle.

What If The Vehicle Isn't Registered In My Name?

The vehicle does not have to be registered in the donor’s name. However, the person whose name is on the title must sign the title or fill out additional paperwork.

How Do I Know My Title Is A Clear, Transferable Title?

The title must be in your name, with no cross-outs or errors. If your title lists a lien holder followed by a bank, your bank will provide a lien release that states they have no further interest in your vehicle. This document is often provided at the time the vehicle was paid off. If your vehicle is paid off, it can be ordered from your bank. If there is a lien listed on your title, it must be signed off on the title, or provide a separate lien release document. You can contact the bank and request your own lien release or we’re happy to assist you in obtaining a lien release.

When Does My Liability For The Vehicle End And Who Transfers The Title?

On the day we receive your vehicle, our insurance provides coverage. We will handle all transfer documents according to your local state Department of Vehicle Services guidelines, and provide you with receipts and information for your tax deduction.

If you have any other questions concerning your car donation, contact us by calling us toll-free at 1-855-278-9474.

Do You Pick Up And Tow Away The Car?

Yes, we will pick up the vehicle running or not for free, from a location that is convenient for you. If you fill out our online donation form we will call you the same or next business day to schedule your vehicle pick-up. If you make your vehicle donation by calling us at 1-855-278-9474 we will schedule your pick-up at that time.

What Type Of Vehicles Can Be Donated?

We accept most cars, trucks, vans, fleet vehicles, trailers, boats, motorcycles, and RVs, subject to approval. We have representatives standing by to answer any questions you might have. Please call us toll free at 1-855-278-9474.

Can I Donate My Vehicle If It Doesn't Run?

Yes, we are able to accept most vehicles whether they run or not. Even if your car hasn't run for years, you can donate it to charity. For more information, please call 1-855-278-9474.

Donating your car that doesn't run versus trying to sell it is typically less stressful and more beneficial. You will still receive free vehicle pick-up when you donate a car that no longer runs. In most cases, non-running cars are recycled. Regardless of whether your car runs or not, the proceeds from its sale benefit your local chapter of Make-A-Wish.

Can I Deduct The Car Donation?

Yes, vehicles donated to registered nonprofit organizations are tax deductible. Because we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, your car donation to Wheels For Wishes is completely tax deductible. After we receive your car donation, we will mail you a receipt that states your tax deduction amount.

In general, if the car you donate sells for less than $500, you can claim the fair market value of your vehicle up to $500. If your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, you will be able to claim the exact amount for which your car sold.

How Do You Determine The Value Of My Donated Vehicle?

Now you don't have to because of the IRS Car Donation Tax Laws

Your car donation to an IRS approved 501(c)(3) charity is still tax deductible and will fall into one of these categories:

  1. For vehicles sold for under $500, you can claim the fair market value up to $500.00 without any additional paperwork.  The preliminary tax receipt will be mailed after vehicle has been confirmed picked up.
  2. If the gross proceeds from the sale of your donated vehicle exceed $500.00, your deduction will be limited to the actual sale price. You will also be asked by the donee organization to provide your Social Security for the purposes of completing its IRS Form 1098-C form.

We will provide you with a receipt stating the final sales price of your vehicle within 30 days of its sale.

How Do I Schedule A Pickup?

Call 1-855-278-9474 any time, day or night, and our representatives will assist you.  Our agents will send your donation order to the nearest towing partner to contact you directly to schedule the pickup.

If you would prefer to start online vs. making a phone call for your car donation, you can fill out the car donation form on this page. Your vehicle will be towed away for free at the time you discuss with one of our representatives.

Who Benefits From My Car Donation?

While making your donation, you can choose to benefit your local chapter of Make-A-Wish to help grant the wishes of children in your community. If you'd like to benefit a different chapter of Make-A-Wish, you can! Wheels For Wishes is partnered with Make-A-Wish chapters around the country.

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A federally registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization