For the IRS, the deadline is firm: your vehicle must be picked up on or before December 31 to count for this tax year. With Carolina Charities Auto, most Raleigh donors who call before early afternoon can get same‑day or next‑day pickup, Monday–Saturday—even during Christmas week. To guarantee a December 31 slot in the Research Triangle, call or submit our 2‑minute form by December 27. You’ll get free towing anywhere in the area, and a tax receipt from Heritage for the Blind for vehicles that qualify.
Based right here in the Raleigh–Durham area, we regularly serve donors in North Raleigh, Southeast Raleigh, Five Points, Cary, Apex, Garner, Knightdale, Wake Forest, and across the greater Triangle. Your car, truck, SUV, or van doesn’t need to run—no inspection or repairs required. Just have your signed North Carolina title ready. Proceeds from your donated vehicle support Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) helping people who are blind or visually impaired. If you want this year’s tax deduction, don’t wait until the last minute—lock in your pickup time now while December 31 slots are still open.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start with a 2‑minute call or online form
2 minutesShare your contact info, vehicle location, and basic details about your car, truck, or SUV in Raleigh or anywhere in the Triangle. It truly takes about two minutes. We’ll confirm eligibility, answer your year‑end tax questions, and immediately move to scheduling your free pickup.
Choose your pickup day before Dec 31
2–5 minutesTell us what works for you. We schedule Monday–Saturday, year‑round, including Christmas week. In most metro areas we can offer same‑day or next‑day slots for calls before early afternoon. Call by Dec 27–28 to lock in a Dec 31 pickup for this tax year.
Prepare your signed North Carolina title
5–10 minutesTo complete your donation, you’ll need a signed NC vehicle title at pickup. We’ll walk you through how to sign it correctly and what to have ready in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, or nearby. No emissions test, inspection, or repairs are required—non‑running vehicles are absolutely fine.
Free tow from your home, office, or shop
15–30 minutesOur driver arrives during your pickup window, anywhere in the Research Triangle area. Towing is 100% free, regardless of condition. You’ll hand over the keys and title, we’ll provide a preliminary donation receipt on the spot, and your vehicle is officially donated once it’s picked up.
Receive your tax receipt from Heritage for the Blind
Within 30 days of saleAfter your vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind mails you the IRS‑compliant acknowledgment, and for larger donations, Form 1098‑C. This is the document you’ll use with your tax preparer when you itemize deductions and claim your charitable car‑donation deduction.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 controls which tax year it counts for
For IRS purposes, your car donation date is the day the vehicle is picked up and transferred, not the day you call. If your pickup is completed on or before December 31, it can be claimed on this year’s return when you file.
You may need IRS Form 1098‑C
For vehicle donations where the claimed deduction is more than the IRS threshold, Heritage for the Blind issues Form 1098‑C. This form shows the gross sale price and accompanies your tax return when you itemize your charitable deduction.
Deduction is generally based on sale price
In most cases, the IRS lets you deduct the actual sale price of your donated vehicle, not an estimated value. Once your car is sold, Heritage for the Blind reports that amount on your acknowledgment—and on Form 1098‑C when required.
You must itemize on Schedule A
Car donations are a charitable deduction. To benefit, you must itemize deductions on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Your tax preparer or software will use your receipt and 1098‑C information to claim the donation correctly.
30‑day acknowledgment requirement
The charity is required to send you a written acknowledgment—often including Form 1098‑C for larger donations—typically within 30 days of the vehicle’s sale. Keep this with your tax records as proof of your donation and deduction.