The Benefits of Donating a Car in America |
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Steven Cancel
November 6, 2007
Rather than selling your car, there are a few options. Many people decide to donate their car to selected charities. This is a very ethical alternative to simply dropping the “lemon” off at the junk yard.
The process of a car donation is very simple. This course of action begins by having a donor contact the charity of their choosing to establish a pick up date. During this time, the charity will ask the year, make, and model. In addition, they will schedule a date for pickup when most convenient for the donor. Picking up your vehicle is next, someone will pick up the automobile, and either drives or tows (cars for donation do not necessarily have to be drivable to be eligible for the procedure) it to the auction hall where the car will be auctioned off. The third step is that each car donated within a certain timeframe will be auctioned to the highest bidder and a tax break for the car donor will be distributed accordingly. Unfortunately, not all cars will sold at the auction. In a situation like this, the auctioneers will then contact the junk yard, and sell the former mode of transportation for parts. Depending on if your vehicle is auctioned for more than $500, a 1098B tax form will be sent to you by the selected charity within thirty days of the sale of the automobile. On the other hand, if your car was sold for any price below the $500 mark, you will be allowed to deduct the fair market value of the automobile from your taxes.
In addition to donating your car, you can also donate tailored boats, functional motorcycles, motor homes, trucks, and also snowmobiles, personal watercrafts, and any other recreational vehicle. Although it does not have to be up to date, the vehicle must have registration, and the title for ownership must be with the car. These charitable donation programs for dispelling unwanted vehicles are set up all across the country to provide service to anyone wishing to partake in the program.
The one major piece of advice that should be done before donating their automobile, recreational vehicle, or truck is to shop around. There are many companies that have variable donation rates or figures. Donating something as significant as a motor vehicle could potentially generate significant money; unfortunately, there are companies out there that will entice both charities and individuals into donating vehicles, and low-balling the bottom figures for both other parties.