Car Donation Wizard wants donors to know that donating a car to a nonprofit organization not only helps that organization fund worthwhile research and humanitarian efforts, but you also may be eligible to claim a tax deduction for your charitable contribution.
Here are some car donation tax deduction tips we’ve put together:
- Make sure the nonprofit is eligible to receive tax deductible contributions. Organizations such as 501(c)(3) qualified nonprofits are able to give you a tax receipt for your vehicle donation. Visit IRS.gov to search for registered charities. Car Donation Wizard only works with esteemed, 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.
- Ask if you will get a formal tax receipt from the charity for your car donation. If the total deduction you are claiming for a donated car is $250 or more, you need paper proof of your donation. Car Donation Wizard mails a tax receipt for your records following the sale of your vehicle.
- Know that despite what you might find on Kelly Blue Book, the IRS will only allow a deduction for the fair market value of the car. This can be found on the tax receipt mailed to you from Car Donation Wizard.
- If your car is worth more than $500, you, the donor, must complete Section A of IRS Form 8283 and attach it to your yearly tax return.
- If your car is worth $5,000 or more, an independent appraisal is necessary. You must also fill out Section B of IRS Form 8283. You may consider taking pictures of the car and saving receipts for new tires or other upgrades to verify its value.
- As a safety, consult your tax adviser or the IRS for more information about how you can claim charitable deductions. The IRS can answer your tax questions and can provide tax forms, publications, and other reading materials for further assistance. IRS materials are accessible through the Internet at www.irs.gov and at IRS walk-in offices in many areas across the country.