If you are looking for a great tax write-off that will not cost you anything, consider donating a vehicle that you no longer use to charity. When you donate the car, not only will you be helping a charity that is in need, but you will also be able to claim the donation when you go to file your taxes for the year, which could save you a lot of money. The following guide provides you with some key information to know about vehicle donation.
The Car Does Not Have to be Running
Many people make the mistake of assuming that charities only want cars that are in great working order, but that is not the case at all. The charities can sell the cars for scrap metal, strip it and sell all of the useable parts individually for a profit, or even repair the car and sell it for a profit. If you have a car that you want to donate, you can contact the charity and they can send out a representative to look it over and determine how they can use it before they even move it.
You Do Not Have to Deliver the Car
Another common misconception that comes with car donations to charity is that the car owners assume that they are responsible for transporting the vehicle. That is not the case at all. Many charities have tow trailers that they use to tow their donations or work with towing companies that handle the tows for them.
You Need to Have the Title When You Donate the Car
Most charities will not accept a car that does not have a title with it because it will be very difficult to sell later on down the road. If you do not have the title to the vehicle, you may want to go to the local Department of Motor Vehicles and see what you would need to do to get a new copy made so that you can easily donate the car to the charity of your choice.
Take your time to research any charity that you are considering for your vehicle donation. Be sure that you donate to a cause that you support so that the money that the charity receives will be used in a way that you feel is ethical and helpful to society. This will give you peace of mind and help you make a difference in your community at the same time.
