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Wheels For Wishes Answers Your Frequently Asked Questions About Car Donation

November 21, 2013

At Wheels For Wishes we try to make the vehicle donation process as easy as possible, but we understand that making a car donation can be confusing – especially if this is your first time. For your convenience, we have put together a list of answers to commonly asked questions regarding car donation.

If you still have questions after looking through this list, check out our 2013 Donate A Car To Charity Guide, or give us a call at 1-855-278-9474. Customer service representatives are waiting to answer all of your questions and help you with the donation process.

Which Types Of Vehicles Does Wheels For Wishes Accept?

We accept all vehicles, regardless of whether or not they are running. We accept cars, trucks, SUVs, RVs, motorcycles and boats! We accept all years, makes and models – making a car donation is as easy as filling out a car donation form online, or calling 1-855-278-9474.

Can I Donate A Car Even If It Isn’t Operational?

Yes! We accept all vehicles, running or not. Even a broken car can be reused and recycled in one way or another. We take every step possible to ensure that we get the most out of every vehicle. Some of the ways we use your car donation might even surprise you! However, whether or not we can accept a vehicle is decided on a case-to-case basis. There are times when we are unable to accept certain vehicles (mostly boats or RVs). The best way to know for certain whether or not your donation will be possible is to call and ask!

Do I Need A Title To Donate?

This varies from state to state due to state laws. In most cases, we do need the title to the vehicle. If you don’t have the title papers, give us a call at 1-855-278-9474 and we will do our best to work something out!

How Does My Vehicle Get Picked Up?

After you have decided to donate your vehicle you will be contacted within 24 hours of the next business day to schedule your free vehicle pick-up or tow. We work with local towing companies all across the Unites States.

How Should I Prepare My Vehicle For Pick-Up?

The best way to prepare your vehicle for donation is to remove all of your items from the car. Don’t worry about fixing a car that doesn’t run, or keeping the car clean. We will take care of everything for you.

Is My Vehicle Donation Tax Deductible?

Yes, your donation is tax deductible! We are an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) organization, which allows you to get the most from your vehicle donation tax deduction.

Is It Possible That Make-A-Wish Won’t Receive Any Money From My Donation?

No. If we are unable to sell your vehicle at auction it will be recycled, with every single piece of your car being reused and recycled. Because car donation is green and eco-friendly, even cars in the worst condition can be recycled. Vehicle recycling provides enough steel to produce almost 13 million new automobiles every year. Cars and car parts are always in demand. No piece will go to waste. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, so you can be sure your donated car will always benefit Make-A-Wish.

How Much Will My Tax Deduction Be Worth?

The tax deduction you earn from your donation depends upon the value of the vehicle you donated. If the donated vehicle is sold for less than $500 at auction, 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. No matter what you earn, you will receive a 100% tax deductible receipt at the time your vehicle is sold. You can save this receipt and deduct it from your taxes at tax time.

How Will My Donation Help?

Your donation benefits Make-A-Wish, which grants the wishes of local children with critical illnesses between the ages of 2½ and 18. Your donation will allow a child’s wish to be granted, whether they wish to meet their favorite athlete, go to Walt Disney World, or take a trip to Paris.

When Is A Good Time To Donate My Vehicle?

We accept donations year-round. If you make your donation before 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31, your tax deduction will count toward this year’s taxes – even if you receive your receipt after the New Year. Get the maximum possible tax deduction by donating to Wheels For Wishes today.

You won’t be disappointed when you donate to Wheels For Wishes. Every donation benefits Make-A-Wish and a child in need. There are so many occasions that car donation makes for the best solution, including:

  • The vehicle needs repairs that cost more than the value of the car
  • You are ready to upgrade your vehicle
  • You don’t have the time to sell or trade-in your car
  • Getting the car fixed is becoming a weekly hassle
  • The car no longer functions
  • You are looking to get a new car, but the trade-in value of your car isn’t as high as you’d like
  • You support Make-A-Wish and want to make a difference in a child’s life
  • You care about helping others and contributing to a greener world
  • You want to donate to a great cause while receiving the maximum possible tax deduction
  • Your car has become an eyesore in your driveway or garage
  • You could use the extra space around your home
  • You’ve tried selling the car but haven’t had any luck
  • You are looking for an easy way to get rid of a car, while contributing to an wonderful cause

Your donation makes a huge difference, no matter the reason. It will contribute to a greener world, help a child’s wish come true, and your donation will save you the time and stresses of selling or trading in a vehicle. Give us a call today or make your donation online! We’ll take care of the details.

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CDF also runs the following programs:
Wheels for Wishes benefiting Make-A-Wish®, Wheels for Wishes & Wellness benefiting local children's hospitals and charities, Vehicles for Veterans benefiting disabled veterans, and Animal Car Donation benefiting animal rescue organizations.

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CDF's mission is to help these benefitting charities fulfill their missions with proceeds from CDF's car donation programs. CDF and all benefitting charities are separate and unaffiliated 501c organizations.
© 2009 - 2024 Wheels For Wishes (Car Donation Foundation)
A federally registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
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