Donate A Car

By Ray Lam

Donating a car is one of the most unique and easy ways to give back to the community. If you have a vehicle that you are not using, why not donate it for a good cause? Read below for what to donate, the why you should donate, the where you should donate and how you should donate your unused vehicle.

For many of us, the thought of having to try and sell our old car that we have had for years is a bad one. Haggling over price with a car dealer and having to spend money to ensure the vehicle is in good enough condition to sell is a nuisance. In fact, spending the time and money on an already old car is sometimes actually counterproductive and ends up costing more money than it's worth. When you donate a car to charity, you are not required to see that your vehicle is up to working standard.

When giving your car away as a donation, you should also be proud. This is another benefit to donating your car. Most individuals, who do donate their cars, are left with a feeling of selflessness and pleasure. Not all individuals make the decision to donate their cars. In fact, if given the opportunity, many car owners would choose to sell their car before donating it to charity. You should be proud of yourself for making to decision to help someone else before helping yourself.

Speaking of money, one of the great benefits of donating your car to charity is that you are eligible for a tax deduction. In the United States, if you donate to a charity classified with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, you may be eligible for a tax deduction. Before donating your car, it is useful to know the fair market value, which can be assessed by using one of the several guidebooks on the subject.

Also, be clear on what your charity will do with the car, as it will make a difference in your tax break depending on whether the car is resold or broken down for parts. Taking the time to speak directly with your chosen charity will answer all your questions and give you a good idea of how they operate.

To prevent over-estimate, the IRS requires people who donate their car to produce a document from the charitable organization specifying the resale price of the car after the car is sold off. Automobiles with retail values up to $500 are exempt from this rule. In any case, make sure you get a receipt detailing your car donation. Requesting a receipt may also be necessary if you have your taxes prepared by a paid preparer.

Donating a car may sound like a big undertaking, but it's not. You can accomplish three things at once - getting rid of an old car that is taking up valuable space, helping your favorite charity, and getting a deduction on your income taxes. If you have an old car and want to reduce your tax payment, donating a car might be right for you!

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Learn about donate cars by visiting http://car-donation-advisor.info and get a FREE limited report on "Car Donation Programs" by visiting http://car-donation-advisor.info,a website providing free advice on how to donate your car