How It Works

Step 1

1. Fill out the simple form

Use our online vehicle donation form to submit your information.

  • - Donating your vehicle is easy
  • - Vehicle donations accepted nationwide
Step 2

2. Schedule your free pick-up

We will arrange to pick up your vehicle when it is most convenient for you.

  • - Any vehicle is accepted
  • - Free towing for your charity vehicle donation with 24 hours
Step 3

3. Receive tax deduction

Once the vehicle donation is complete, you will receive your tax deductable vehicle donation receipt.

About Goodwill SoCal

Goodwill SoCal is committed to providing disadvantaged individuals with job training, employment services, and other critical community-building support.

For more than a century, Goodwill organizations across the nation have been working to enhance the dignity and quality of life for individuals and their families by strengthening communities, eliminating barriers to opportunity, and helping people in need reach their full potential through learning and the power of work.

Goodwill has been able to make a difference in the lives of millions of people — and you can help us keep expanding that number. One way Goodwill organizations fund critical employment and training programs is through the generous car donations of local donors. Do you have a car or truck you can donate? Let us take it off your hands.

By donating a car to Goodwill SoCal, you too can be a part of our initiative that's changing lives throughout the country. Let's work together to make a difference in your own community, one vehicle at a time.

Tax Deduction Information For Your Car Donation

The IRS has set the rules for the tax deduction of your vehicle donation

If Your Car Donation Sells for $500 Or Less

You can claim the fair market value of your vehicle up to and including $500, or the amount it is sold for if less than fair market value.

When you donate your car, you will receive a tax deductible receipt to be submitted with your taxes.

If Your Car Donation Sells for $501 Or More

You can claim the exact amount for which the vehicle is sold

When you donate your car, we will provide you with a tax deductible receipt

Within 30 days from the sale of your vehicle we will provide you with a 1098-C form to submit with your taxes

How to file your taxes

To receive a tax deduction for a donated vehicle, you must include any charitable contributions itemized on Schedule A of Form 1040 from the IRS. Include your Charity Auto Donation tax-deductible receipt with your tax return. You do not need to submit Form 1098-C if your vehicle sells for less than $500 as your official Charity Auto Donation receipt is considered sufficient documentation by the IRS.

For additional information, the IRS provides A Donor's Guide to Car Donations (IRS Donation Guide 4303), which details the determination of the value of your donated vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

What types of vehicles can be donated?

We accept all vehicle donations, and in most cases, we also accept boats, motorcycles, RV's, and campers.

If my vehicle is not running, can I still donate?

Yes, we accept all vehicles, running or non-running, and will pick-up the vehicle at no cost to you.

What paperwork do I need to donate my vehicle?

All you need is a title, free of all liens. We will request some general information from you at the time of donation such as, the year, make, and model of the car, as well as its general mechanical condition.

Is my donated vehicle tax -deductible?

Yes, we are a 501(c)(19) organization and have been approved by the IRS to receive donated items and issue a tax-deductible donation receipt for the item. Therefore, your vehicle donation may be 100% tax deductible based upon your personal tax situation. Please check with your tax advisor if you need more information.

What areas do you service?

We accept vehicle donations in every city in all 50 states.

What documents do I need to donate a car to charity?

Most states require that you have a clear title to the vehicle; some states also require a notarized signature to complete a donation. If your state requires a notary to sign the document, do not sign the title until you are in the presence of a notary.

What if the vehicle is not registered in my name?

The vehicle does not have to be registered in the donor's name. However, the person whose name is on the title must sign the title or fill out additional paperwork.

There are two people listed on the title, do both of us need to sign?

If more than one person is listed as an owner on the front of the title, they must also sign on the signature of seller line.

The Title Is In A Deceased Person's Name. How do I complete The Transfer Of Title?

Most states require a death certificate, the title and the executor rights paperwork. Please give us a call should you have further questions regarding your specific states law.

Tax Deduction

How much will I receive as a tax deduction for my vehicle?

For vehicles sold for under $500, you can claim the fair market value up to $500.00 without any additional paperwork. The preliminary tax receipt will be mailed after vehicle has been confirmed picked up.

If the gross proceeds for the sale of your donated vehicle exceeds $500.00, your deduction will be limited to the actual sale price. You will also be asked by the donee organization to provide your Social Security for the purposes of completing its IRS Form 1098-C form.

How do you determine the value of my vehicle?

The IRS allows the donor to determine the fair market value up to $500. If we sell your donated car for over $500, the IRS allows you to claim the selling price as a deduction.

When will I receive my tax receipt?

Processing your vehicle usually takes around 4 weeks but in some cases may take longer due to particular state title requirements or title laws.

Pick-Up

How do I schedule a pick up?

Please call our toll free number when you are ready to donate 877-671-2911

Who will pick up my vehicle?

We work with a network of professionally licensed, bonded and insured towing agencies throughout the U.S. that pick up vehicle donations. You will be contacted to arrange a time of pickup that is convenient for you and free of charge.

Do I have to be home when my vehicle is picked up?

No, you do not have to be present at time of pick-up. You will need to advise the towing company specifically where in the vehicle you will be leaving the title and the keys. The towing company will leave you a towing receipt showing that your vehicle was picked up. Remember to remove all personal belongings from vehicle and take off the license plate on the day the vehicle is scheduled for picked up.

How quickly can my vehicle be picked up?

All vehicles are picked up in a timely and professional manner, usually within 24-48 hours. A local towing company will call you to schedule a pick-up date that is convenient for you.

Can you pick up my vehicle if it's not at my home?

Yes, we can pick up you vehicle from anywhere you'd like us to. You will need to advise the towing company of vehicle location when you schedule pick up.

What will I receive at time of pick-up?

You will receive a temporary receipt from the towing company at the time of pickup. It will have all of your car's information along with our name and phone number. You just have to notify us once the car is picked up and we will mail the tax-deductible receipt to you.