Donate Old Cars to Charity: Is Kars4Kids a Legitimate Charity Organization?

Is Kars4Kids a legitimate Charity?

Kars4kids is recognized by the IRS as a licensed and registered 501(c)3 charity.

Do you have an old car that’s been sitting in your garage for ages? Why not donate it to a charity and help those in need? Donating cars to your local charity is a great way to make a difference in someone else’s life. Here’s why you should consider donating your car and the steps to do it.

Why Donate Old Cars to Charity ?

Donating your car to charity will automatically make you feel good. Your car will likely be sold at auction and the proceeds go to a good cause. It’s also a great way to get rid of an old car that has been sitting dormant for years. Most charities have guidelines for car donations and will take virtually any car regardless of age, condition or make.

The charity will usually take care of the entire process for you, from advertising to pickup. This means that donating your car is actually quite easy. Depending on the charity, you may even be able to receive a tax write-off for your car donation. This could end up saving you money at tax time.

How to Donate Old Cars to Charity

The first step in donating your car to charity is to decide which charity you want to donate your car to. Choosing a charity can be hard, so make sure you do your research and pick a legitimate, dependable charity. Once you’ve decided, it’s time to start the car donation process.

1. Contact the Charity

Begin by contacting the charity. Most charities have a web page with information about how to donate a car. It’s important to make sure that you’re donating to an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) non-profit organization so that you get a tax write-off.

The charity you choose will take it from there. The charity will arrange to have your vehicle picked up and taken to auction. It may take several weeks for the car to be sold and for you to receive the paperwork for your deduction.

2. Fill Out the Paperwork

The next step is paperwork. The charity will give you paperwork to fill out so that you can get your tax deduction. Be sure to keep all the paperwork handy in case you need it for your tax return.

3. Get the Vehicle Ready for Pickup

The charity may have any number of services that they provide to make sure your car is ready to go. This could include serviced and roadworthy, or perhaps a tow truck pick-up. Make sure you know exactly what you need to do to get your vehicle ready for pickup before carrying out any work on it.

FAQs

What Types of Cars Can I Donate to Charity?

Most charities are happy to accept cars of any age, make and condition. However, some charities may require that the car is in good working order before they accept the donation.

Are There Any Fees Involved with Donating Cars?

Most charities don’t require any fees to donate your car, although some may charge a small fee for the towing and paperwork.

Do I Need to Register the Car Before Donating It?

You will need to have your vehicle registered to donate it to charity. You will also need to make sure that the car is in your name before you donate it.

How Do I Claim My Tax Deduction?

Once your car has been sold, you’ll receive a receipt that includes the sale amount. Keep the receipt handy if you plan to claim the tax deduction. If you’re unsure, you can always contact the charity or a tax professional for advice.

Donating your old car to charity is a great idea. Not only will it help out those in need, it could also help you with a tax write-off and get rid of an old car that’s been cluttering up your driveway or garage for too long.

If you’re ready to make a difference, have a look at some of the best charities for car donations here: Nonprofit.org and Charity Choices.