Vehicle Donation - Some Common Questions

What is vehicle donation? It is a popular way to donate to a favorite charity and do something good for the environment at the same time. One common question is about how to make a donation. Each organization is a bit different but there are basic steps to the process. It is important to find the right organization to donate your car. When ready, you need to contact the charity and provide basic information. Finally, the charity picks the car up and gives you the paperwork for your tax deduction.

What is the first step in vehicle donation? It is to discover the right charity for your contribution. Many charitable organizations take them. What might be a little surprising is that many use third parties to manage the sale of the cars. This holds their overhead down and puts the cars into professional hands. The third party handler will take the vehicle and sell it. The seller gets a small percentage of the return and the rest goes to the charity. The most crucial thing to verify is that you are donating your vehicle to a legitimate charity. Be sure they are properly registered and known in the community.

Where do you go after you find the right charity? You need to get hold of them. Most charities have an office with a number where you are able to call for vehicle donation. They'll need to know what make and model the car is in addition to as the VIN number and other distinguishing information. This information allows them to get paperwork together for the sale. They will also need information about you, as the seller. Only the owner of the vehicle can lawfully donate it to any organization. They may demand your driver's license number and other distinguishing information. They will also need to know where to pick the car up.

How do you finish up the operation? The charity will send someone out to pick up the car. They may need to affirm your identity and that the car belongs to you. When everything checks out, they will give you paperwork indicating you are turning the car over to their charity. It will also give you validation of the donation for tax purposes. They will take the car at that point and sell it. When they sell the car, they should get hold of you with the final purchase terms. You are able to claim that amount on your taxes. Vehicle donation sales usually happen within a few weeks after they pick the vehicle up.

Source : http://www.bestcardonation.org