If your vehicle is picked up on or before December 31, the IRS counts your donation for this tax year—even if your car sells later. With SacraCar Share, you can start in under two minutes, schedule a free pickup that fits your calendar, and sign your title at the curb. That pickup date is your official donation date. After the vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind (a 501(c)(3), EIN 58-2164446) mails you the written acknowledgment or IRS Form 1098-C you’ll use at tax time.
We know Sacramento Metro year-end is busy. Our team works across Midtown, Land Park, East Sac, Natomas, Elk Grove, Citrus Heights, Folsom, Roseville, Rocklin, West Sacramento, and more. Most donors get weekday callbacks within 1–2 hours and same-day or next‑business‑day towing in the metro core. Your car does not need to run, pass inspection, or have current registration. If you’re ready to donate, skip the browsing and lock in your pickup now so you don’t get squeezed out of the last‑week December rush.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2-minute form or call SacraCar Share
About 2 minutesEnter your contact info, vehicle details, and preferred pickup window in our secure online form, or call SacraCar Share to donate through Heritage for the Blind. It’s enough to start the process immediately; no smog check, photos, or paperwork uploads required.
Get a callback and lock in your pickup date
Within 1–2 business hoursA donation coordinator calls you back (weekdays) to confirm your details and schedule free towing. To secure a 2024 deduction, choose any available pickup slot on or before December 31 in Sacramento Metro—that date becomes your official IRS donation date.
Free tow truck arrives at your Sacramento address
Same day or next business day in most metro areasA licensed tow partner comes to your home, work, or storage lot in areas like Midtown, Natomas, Elk Grove, Citrus Heights, Folsom, Roseville, and more. Towing is free and available for non‑running vehicles, flats, and cars without current registration.
Sign your title and hand over the keys
About 5–10 minutes at pickupAt the truck, you sign the title over following California requirements and remove your personal items and plates if instructed. The driver provides a basic pickup receipt. Once the vehicle is loaded, your donation is locked in as of that pickup date.
Vehicle sale and mailed tax acknowledgment
Within 30 days of saleYour vehicle is transported, processed, and sold. Heritage for the Blind then mails you a written acknowledgment or IRS Form 1098‑C, usually within 30 days of the sale, showing the gross sale price for your potential itemized deduction.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 pickup = this year’s deduction
For IRS purposes, the donation date is when your car is picked up and transferred, not when it sells. If your vehicle is towed away on or before December 31, you’re in position to claim the deduction for this tax year.
Form 1098-C for larger vehicle deductions
If your donated vehicle sells for more than the IRS reporting threshold, Heritage for the Blind issues IRS Form 1098‑C. This form shows key details and the gross sale price that you or your tax preparer will need when you file.
Deduction generally equals sale price
In most car donations, your allowable charitable deduction is based on the vehicle’s gross sale price, not a pricing guide estimate. Your acknowledgment or Form 1098‑C will state that sale price for your records when you itemize on Schedule A.
30-day written acknowledgment timing
After your vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment or Form 1098‑C, generally within 30 days of the sale. Keep this with your tax records; the IRS may require it to substantiate your deduction.
Itemizing on Schedule A is required
To actually use a car donation tax benefit, you must itemize deductions on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Check with a tax professional to see whether itemizing with your vehicle donation makes sense for your situation.