In Sacramento, your car donation only counts for this tax year if it’s physically picked up on or before December 31. The IRS uses the pickup date—not the date you call or fill out the form—as your official donation date. That means you should schedule at least 3–5 business days before December 31 so Heritage for the Blind has time to dispatch a free tow truck, even in the busy holiday rush.
SacraCar Share makes year-end car donating easy across the Sacramento Metro—from Midtown, Land Park, East Sac, and Natomas to Elk Grove, Citrus Heights, Carmichael, Folsom, and Roseville. Heritage for the Blind, a trusted 501(c)(3) serving people who are blind or visually impaired, handles free pickup Monday–Saturday, including during the holiday season. Non‑running vehicles are welcome; no smog check, inspections, or repairs are needed. After your vehicle sells, you’ll receive the required written acknowledgment (including IRS Form 1098‑C when the value exceeds $500). The tax year of your deduction is locked in by your pickup date—so if you want the deduction for this year, schedule your Sacramento pickup now.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2‑minute donation form or call
2 minutesShare your contact info, plate or VIN if handy, and where the car is in the Sacramento Metro—whether it’s in your Midtown driveway, a Roseville apartment lot, or a shop in Elk Grove. No inspection or photos required to get started.
Choose a pickup window before December 31
5 minutesOur team and Heritage for the Blind’s towing partner confirm a pickup day and time, Monday–Saturday, that works for you—and lands on or before December 31 if you want this year’s deduction. Aim to book 3–5 business days ahead of year-end.
Prepare your title and remove personal items
10–15 minutesFind your vehicle title and clear out personal belongings from the glove box and trunk. If you have questions about missing paperwork for a car in Sacramento County or nearby counties, our team walks you through next steps before pickup day.
Free tow pickup locks in this year’s deduction date
15–30 minutesOn pickup day, the tow driver meets you at home, work, or a shop anywhere in the Sacramento Metro. Once the vehicle is physically picked up on or before December 31, the IRS considers your donation made for this tax year.
Receive your tax acknowledgment after the sale
VariesAfter your car sells, Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment. If it’s worth more than $500, you’ll receive IRS Form 1098‑C. You then use this paperwork to claim your deduction for the tax year of your pickup date.
Year-end tax deduction facts
IRS uses the pickup date, not the call date
For vehicle donations, the IRS treats the donation as made on the day the charity gains control of the car—when it’s physically picked up. Calling or filling out a form in December isn’t enough if actual pickup slips into January.
Pickup by December 31 = this year’s deduction
If your vehicle is towed away on or before December 31, you may deduct it on this year’s return, as long as you itemize. A pickup on January 1 or later moves the deduction to the following tax year, even if you scheduled it in December.
Form 1098‑C for vehicles over $500
When Heritage for the Blind sells your donated car for more than $500, they issue IRS Form 1098‑C. This form shows the gross sale price, which generally caps your deduction amount. You attach or report this with your tax return as instructed.
You must itemize on Schedule A
To claim a car donation, you generally need to itemize deductions using Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Always confirm with a tax professional whether itemizing your vehicle donation provides a benefit for your situation.
You receive your receipt after the vehicle sells
Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment (and 1098‑C when applicable) after the vehicle sells, often within weeks. The tax year of your deduction is still based on the pickup date, even if the paperwork arrives the following year.