Donate Used Cars
Deciding to donate used cars to charity can be a big decision for most people so it is important to obtain all the facts. A lot of people seem to be misinformed about what is involved and of their responsibilities when donating used cars to charity. This article explores the facts to help give you a real picture of car donation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions for those looking to donate used cars to charity:
1. What types of used vehicles can I donate?
Car donation charities will accept most used cars and vehicles including utes, vans, scooters, trailers, boats and even planes. If your vehicle includes wheels and an engine it is likely you will be able to donate it.
2. What state does the vehicle have to be in?
Do not be fooled into thinking your car or vehicle has to be in working order, most car donation charities will allow you to donate junk car and broken down vehicles that can be either fixed up and used or sold on for parts.
3. Can I claim my money back?
One of the best things about donating a used car is that you can claim your donation back as a tax deduction with the Inland Revenue Service. When it comes time to do your tax return simply use the receipt provided by the charity you have donated to as proof of your donation and claim the amount the vehicle was sold for as a tax deduction.
4. How will my vehicle be removed?
The removal and delivery of your donated vehicle will be organised for you by the charity or agency that you are making the donation through. Once you have made contact with the charity they will arrange for a tow truck within your area to come and remove the vehicle at a time that is convenient for you.
You will need to be there when they come to remove the vehicle so that you can collect a receipt from the charity.
5. Do I need to pay to donate a vehicle?
There are no charges at all involved, whether you donate junk car or used cars and vehicles. All towing fees and onward sales costs are covered by the charity.
What You Will Need
When it comes time to donate a vehicle to charity most beneficiaries will make the process as quick and easy as possible. In most cases all you will be required to do is call your charity or fill out an online application form and the organisation for removal of your used car or automobile will be undertaken within 24 hours.
To be eligible to donate a vehicle your car or automobile will require two things - it needs to have an engine and be towable.
Without either of these it is likely your junk car or vehicle will not be accepted. Car donation charities will also need to see a clear certificate of title for the vehicle before they organise a tow truck so have this handy when you phone the charity.
This certificate needs to clearly state the make and model of the used car and have your name only as the owner of the vehicle. If you have lost or misplaced this title you will have to obtain a new title before you will be eligible to donate used cars.
Uses for your Vehicle
Once you have decided to donate a vehicle to charity your vehicle will be used in these ways:
1. Sold at auction
The car donation charity you donate to will take your vehicle and sell it through a car sales auction or through online auction sites like E-Bay. The proceeds from the sale will then go towards your chosen cause.
2. Sold to a Dealer
In other cases the charity or agency acting on behalf of the charity will have an arrangement with a car sales dealership, which will purchase your vehicle from the charity. Beware of these arrangements and check that the sale is for the real value of your vehicle.
3. Sold for parts
If your junk car is no longer in working condition some charities will sell your car for parts instead of as a whole.
4. Donated to families
Your junk car may be fixed up and then donated onto to families in need of vehicles in your local community.
Donating a car is a big decision but the benefits are well worth considering. Ensure you understand exactly how the car donation charity process works before you donate your unused vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions for those looking to donate used cars to charity:
1. What types of used vehicles can I donate?
Car donation charities will accept most used cars and vehicles including utes, vans, scooters, trailers, boats and even planes. If your vehicle includes wheels and an engine it is likely you will be able to donate it.
2. What state does the vehicle have to be in?
Do not be fooled into thinking your car or vehicle has to be in working order, most car donation charities will allow you to donate junk car and broken down vehicles that can be either fixed up and used or sold on for parts.
3. Can I claim my money back?
One of the best things about donating a used car is that you can claim your donation back as a tax deduction with the Inland Revenue Service. When it comes time to do your tax return simply use the receipt provided by the charity you have donated to as proof of your donation and claim the amount the vehicle was sold for as a tax deduction.
4. How will my vehicle be removed?
The removal and delivery of your donated vehicle will be organised for you by the charity or agency that you are making the donation through. Once you have made contact with the charity they will arrange for a tow truck within your area to come and remove the vehicle at a time that is convenient for you.
You will need to be there when they come to remove the vehicle so that you can collect a receipt from the charity.
5. Do I need to pay to donate a vehicle?
There are no charges at all involved, whether you donate junk car or used cars and vehicles. All towing fees and onward sales costs are covered by the charity.
What You Will Need
When it comes time to donate a vehicle to charity most beneficiaries will make the process as quick and easy as possible. In most cases all you will be required to do is call your charity or fill out an online application form and the organisation for removal of your used car or automobile will be undertaken within 24 hours.
To be eligible to donate a vehicle your car or automobile will require two things - it needs to have an engine and be towable.
Without either of these it is likely your junk car or vehicle will not be accepted. Car donation charities will also need to see a clear certificate of title for the vehicle before they organise a tow truck so have this handy when you phone the charity.
This certificate needs to clearly state the make and model of the used car and have your name only as the owner of the vehicle. If you have lost or misplaced this title you will have to obtain a new title before you will be eligible to donate used cars.
Uses for your Vehicle
Once you have decided to donate a vehicle to charity your vehicle will be used in these ways:
1. Sold at auction
The car donation charity you donate to will take your vehicle and sell it through a car sales auction or through online auction sites like E-Bay. The proceeds from the sale will then go towards your chosen cause.
2. Sold to a Dealer
In other cases the charity or agency acting on behalf of the charity will have an arrangement with a car sales dealership, which will purchase your vehicle from the charity. Beware of these arrangements and check that the sale is for the real value of your vehicle.
3. Sold for parts
If your junk car is no longer in working condition some charities will sell your car for parts instead of as a whole.
4. Donated to families
Your junk car may be fixed up and then donated onto to families in need of vehicles in your local community.
Donating a car is a big decision but the benefits are well worth considering. Ensure you understand exactly how the car donation charity process works before you donate your unused vehicle.