| Step #1 | | | | your car will be able to be used as a program car |
| Make sure the organization is a registered 501(c)(3) | | | | that can be given in aid of needy children. If the car |
| charity or a qualified religious organization that can | | | | isn't worthy, it will be sold at auction or for scrap, in |
| legally accept your donation from which you can | | | | which case you can only use the sale value or scrap |
| rightfully claim a tax reduction. It is also advisable to | | | | value. You will get an email or letter back about the |
| find a charity that accepts vehicles without charging a | | | | decision. |
| removal fee. | | | | Step #3 |
| Step#2 | | | | Note that in the event that you are pre-approved, |
| Use the Kelley Blue Book or IRS Publications 526 | | | | you will send Outreach Center your signed title, and |
| (“Charitable Donations”) and 561 | | | | they will pick up the vehicle free of charge and have |
| (“Determining the Value of Donated Property) | | | | it inspected. If approved, you get a tax voucher in |
| to determine the fair market value of your car. If | | | | the mail letting you know you can take the fair |
| it’s worth $5,000 or more, have the car | | | | market value for tax purposes. |
| appraised by someone certified. | | | | Step #4 |
| Step #3 | | | | Sit back, and smile knowing that you did something |
| Receive a tax receipt with the charity’s name | | | | nice for charity and at the same time got a nice |
| and federal tax number, date of donation, | | | | reward for yourself as well. |
| donor’s name as well as the year, make and | | | | |
| model of the car that was donated. | | | | TIPS |
| Step #4 | | | | * If the charitable organization is going to make |
| Follow New York regulations on what to do with the | | | | material improvements to your car donation, you |
| title and plates after notifying the DMV and your | | | | must get written notice within 30 days about the use |
| insurance company that you no longer own or insure | | | | and duration of such improvements and that the |
| the vehicle. Your receipt and completed IRS Form | | | | asset won't be sold or bartered until the |
| 8283 should be kept in a safe place, you’ll be | | | | improvements are finished. |
| needing it when it comes time to file your taxes. | | | | * If the fair market value of your vehicle is less than |
| How to Donate the Car to Outreach Center | | | | $500, it doesn't matter what the car will be used for. |
| Step #1 | | | | You can take the full fair market value on your tax |
| Know that for the easiest method and maximum tax | | | | return. |
| benefits, the clear choice for car donations is the | | | | WARNING: |
| popular “Outreach Center” You can | | | | * Make sure you choose a reputable company |
| simply fill out a form on their Car Donation Website | | | | before donating your car |
| or by calling them on 800.768.7666 | | | | * Don't pay for towing - The better known car |
| Step #2 | | | | donation companies will usually foot the bill. |
| Outreach Center will give you an idea of whether | | | | |