Tax Deductible Donations

Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Given Answers
What can I donate?
You can literally donate any asset. The only limiting factor is finding an organization that handles the asset. Currently, we handle cars, trucks, vans, fleet vehicles, boats, travel trailers, RV's, ATVs, jet skis, skimobiles, golf carts, plus specialty vehicles including horse vans and/or trailers.  Also we accept light construction equipment such as Bobcats, loader backhoes, small excavators and more.
If you have any questions about what you can donate, please email us or call 781-784-0202.
 
Am I guaranteed that my vehicle donation will be accepted?
The usual answer is "Yes."  The quailfied answer is that it depends on factors such as the distance to our towing facility, and various other market dynamics which also affect the overall process. If the asset is worth less than the cost to recover it and provide a benefit, we will not be able to help you.
 
Is my car donation tax deductible?
Assets donated to benefit non-profits classified with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization and are tax deductible. All individual tax situations are different, so check with your tax professional to determine how you may benefit.  You will be given a both an initial receipt of acceptance and a formal letter of thanks with your selected 501-C3 Federal Tax ID # certifying that you have donated your asset.  This letter shows the IRS that you are authorized for a charitable deduction.  Upon the sale of your asset over $500 you will receive notification of the value which you may claim as a deduction.  The condition of your vehicle will affect the value of your donation.
 
What tax year may I take my deduction...when given, or when sold?
Deductions apply to the tax year of the donation. For example, all donations that are pledged by midnight, December 31st will count as a 2006 tax deduction.
 
How much will you be able to declare for your tax write off?
Well that depends on whether your donated vehicle is sold by the charity, or if it is used for the charitable purpose of the organization. If the donation is sold on a lot, at auction, or sold for parts, then you can claim the sale value of the vehicle as a deduction. If the vehicle is used for the charity's non-profit purpose, then you can claim the fair market value of your car donation. READ MORE 
 
What do I need to do to donate my vehicle?
You need the title to the vehicle. If you do not have title papers call us anyway; other arrangements can sometimes be made.  For example, if you have an asset for which you have a sales receipt, we may recommend applying for a title, OR donating the asset for parts which avoids the process. Contact us by submitting our Asset Donation Form.
 
My car hasn't run in years. Can I still donate it?
We are able to accept vehicles whether they run or not if they are popular and have important operating parts or salvage.  Again, the only thing that would prevent us from being able to pick up a donated vehicle is if the tow charges that we would need to pay to get the car picked up would be more than the value of the donated vehicle. So if you have a car, truck, or other vehicle that isn't running or needs expensive repair -- consider donating your vehicle to charity anyway.
We will inform you promptly so that you can make other arrangements if we are not interested.
 
What about my liability and "Lemon Laws."
You will have NONE. Since you donate your car to a qualifying charity that inturn passes it along to a designated licensed dealer, who acts as sales agent for the organization, the dealer is the party responsible for the sale or disposal of the vehicle for parts or scrap which depends of course upon the condition.  Consequently, since the auto dealer must comply with this law, the dealer knows best and is the final arbitor of the disposition of the vehicle/asset.   
 
What will my vehicle sell for when it goes up for sale or to auction?
There is no way to know for sure what a particular vehicle will bring in a dealer sale or at an auction. There are helpful guidelines:
Older non-running vehicles: Generally if you donate a car that is more than 10 years old and it is not running, then it will most likely be sold for parts. In this case, you will probably receive a maximum tax deduction of $500.
 
Trucks, Vans or SUVs: If you donate a pickup truck, SUV or van that is less than 15 years old, there is a good chance it will be sold on a lot. If the truck, SUV or van is not running, these vehicles still bring a good return at auction.
 
Luxury Cars, Limos, Exotics: Many luxury cars that are donated to charity will bring a good sale value.  Limos and Exotics  
IMPORTANT: When considering making a car donation remember that the sale value of your vehicle will depend on the age and condition of the vehicle.

What pick-up areas do we service?
We pick up car donations throughout Eastern Massachusetts.  Depending upon the vehicle or asset we extend to Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket.
Additionally, we cover all of Rhode Island, and Eastern Connecticut to Hartford / New Haven ... roughly east of Interstate I-91
 
How and when will the car be picked up?
We will arrange to have your vehicle towed away at a scheduled time.

We normally pick up your car within a few days. If you need your car picked up sooner, where possible we will work with you on this. Once you have submited your donation you can be sure that we will have a professional tow company pickup your vehicle. Also, once your car is picked up we ensure your donation is processed so that you are able to claim the best deduction possible for your car,
 
How can I contact you to schedule a pick up?
Please complete and submit our Asset Donation Form.
The Tax Deductible Donation Forum