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Donate Your Car - FAQ's
General Questions
What are the benefits of donating my car to Catholic Charities?
Does Catholic Charities handle everything for me?
Does my car have to be running to donate it?
What does Catholic Charities do with donated vehicles?
Do you only accept cars for donation?
How long will it take to pick up my vehicle?
Do I have to be with the vehicle at the time of pick-up?
What paperwork do I need?
Do I need a smog certificate in order to donate my car?
What if I receive legal notices?
Tax Questions
How does the new law effect my tax deduction?
Will I get a tax receipt for my donation?
How is the value determined on the vehicle donated?
Does the new law affect Catholic Charities?
What can I claim as a deduction?
What if my car is valued over $5000?
What are the benefits of donating my car to Catholic Charities?
Catholic Charities benefits by receiving a cash donation to fund new and existing
programs and increase community awareness through local events.
You benefit by being able to reduce your taxable income when taxes are itemized.
Plus you avoid the costs associated with selling your car. No need to pay for advertising,
no loss of privacy and possible security risk, and no need to pay for vehicle registration,
insurance, and repairs to keep your car in running condition while you wait for
a buyer.
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Does Catholic Charities handle everything for me?
Catholic Charities is partnered with a company called CARS (Charitable Auto Resources,
Inc) based in San Diego California. Catholic Charities and CARS have a contractual
agreement to process all vehicle donations. CARS is owned and operated by a non?profit
social service agency that works with many public broadcasting stations and other
non profit organizations across the country in outsourcing their vehicle donation
program. Catholic Charities screened CARS thoroughly for customer service policies
and references and selected them among many organizations. They have been chosen
because of their expertise, and all calls and issues will ultimately be referred
to CARS.
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Does my car have to be running to donate it?
In some cases we can take your car, running or not. However, it must have an engine
and be tow-able. Contact a representative at 1-866-688-GIVE to find out if your
vehicle qualifies for pick-up.
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What does Catholic Charities do with donated vehicles?
The vehicles are sold at a private auction. The funds from vehicle donations are
used by Catholic Charities to help us as we strive to create just and caring communities
for vulnerable children and families and people in crisis throughout Central and
Northern Arizona.
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Do you only accept cars for donation?
Many types of motor vehicles are accepted including boats, motorcycles, trucks,
and cars. If you are uncertain as to whether or not your vehicle is eligible, please
contact the vehicle donation program toll free at 1-866-688-GIVE.
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How long will it take to pick up my vehicle?
We make donating your car as simple and convenient as possible. A tow company will contact you within two to three business days. Call our representatives at 1-866-688-GIVE.
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Do I have to be with the vehicle at the time of pick-up?
No. Special arrangements can be made by calling our representative.
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What paperwork do I need?
The only paperwork needed is a signed, clear title (pink slip). Have your title
with you when you call-in your donation. [Please note: a clear title indicates the
title is in the name of the donor without a lien].
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Do I need a smog certificate in order to donate my car?
For states that require smog certificates or safety inspections, you may donate
your vehicle without these documents.
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What if I receive legal notices?
In the rare event that you receive any notification of a lien sale, DMV actions
or other activity related to your donated vehicle, please contact us at 1-866--688-GIVE
immediately for assistance.
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How does the new law effect my tax deduction?
Donors are no longer responsible for determining the deductible value of their donation.
Instead, they will receive IRS Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats,
and Airplanes if the proceeds from the sale exceed $500, stating the amount of the
gross proceeds from the sale of the donated vehicle. The amount listed on IRS Form
1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes will be the gross
proceeds of the deductible donation.
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Will I get a tax receipt for my donation?
Yes, our driver will issue a receipt at the time of pick-up. This is not your final
tax receipt unless the sale of your vehicle does not exceed $500. This initial acknowledgement
will indicate your name as well as the year, make, model and condition of the car
you are donating. It will be your only receipt if your vehicle sells for less than
$500.
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How is the value determined on the vehicle donated?
The value is determined by the gross proceeds raised from the sale of the donated
vehicle. You no longer have the burden of determining the value yourself.
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Does the new law affect Catholic Charities?
Catholic Charities has additional paperwork in reporting the gross proceeds raised
from the sale of the vehicle to the donor and IRS. The process of obtaining the
cash donation from the vehicle remains the same.
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What can I claim as a deduction?
According to the tax law effective January 1, 2005, if the claimed value of the
donated vehicle exceeds $500, the taxpayer is limited to the gross proceeds of the
sale.
An IRS Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes will be mailed to you within 30 days of the sale stating the amount of gross proceeds received from your car, provided your vehicle sold for more than $500. This will be your tax receipt for your charitable contribution.
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What if my car is valued over $5000?
Effective January 1, 2005, you are no longer required to have vehicles appraised.
The value you may claim will be the amount of gross proceeds received from your
vehicle.
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