If your vehicle is picked up on or before December 31, the IRS treats that pickup date as your donation date for this tax year. With Carolina Charities Auto in Raleigh, you can start in under two minutes, schedule a free tow that works for you, and still lock in your 2024 deduction even if the car is sold later. A fast confirmation call, a licensed tow truck, and a simple title hand‑off are all it takes.
We know the Research Triangle and how busy the end of the year is. Whether you’re in North Hills, Five Points, Brier Creek, Cary, Apex, Garner, Wake Forest, or near NC State and Downtown Raleigh, we coordinate quick, hassle‑free pickups Monday through Saturday. Your donated vehicle benefits Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) helping people who are blind or visually impaired. No inspection, no repairs, and your car doesn’t need to run. December pickup slots fill fast in Raleigh—start your donation form now so your tow is locked in before December 31.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesComplete the quick online form with your contact info, vehicle location, and basics about your car, truck, SUV, or van—running or not. Prefer the phone? Call Carolina Charities Auto and we’ll take the details in one short call, right here from the Raleigh area.
Get a fast scheduling call-back
Within 1–2 business hoursA donation coordinator for Heritage for the Blind calls you within 1–2 business hours on weekdays to confirm your information and set up your free pickup. In December, we’ll work with you to grab the earliest available slot before December 31 in the Research Triangle.
Lock in your pickup date (and tax year)
Same callOn that call, you choose a pickup time. In most Raleigh metro locations, we can send a licensed tow truck the same day or the next business day. Once your vehicle is physically picked up on or before December 31, that date becomes your official IRS donation date.
Free tow truck pickup at your address
Same day or next business day in most metro areasA professional, licensed tow truck comes to your home, work, or storage lot in and around Raleigh—no cost to you. The driver loads your vehicle, even if it doesn’t run, and you sign the title over at pickup. No current inspection, registration, or repairs are required.
Vehicle sale and tax receipt mailed
Within 30 days of saleYour vehicle is transported, processed, and sold. Heritage for the Blind then mails you IRS Form 1098‑C or a written acknowledgment within 30 days of the sale. Keep this and attach the information to your federal return when you itemize your charitable deduction.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Your donation date is the pickup date
For IRS purposes, the donation is made when you transfer the vehicle, generally at physical pickup. If your tow happens on or before December 31, you can claim the deduction for this tax year, even if the vehicle sells in the new year.
Form 1098-C for larger deductions
If your vehicle sells for more than the IRS reporting threshold, Heritage for the Blind issues IRS Form 1098‑C showing the gross sale price. Use this form with your return when you itemize to substantiate your charitable vehicle deduction.
Deduction generally equals sale price
In most cases, the amount you can deduct is the vehicle’s gross sale price, not a price guide value. The acknowledgment or Form 1098‑C you receive will list this amount so you and your tax preparer can accurately report it on your return.
Schedule A and itemizing required
To claim a vehicle donation, you must itemize deductions on Schedule A of your federal income tax return. If you use the standard deduction and do not itemize, you generally cannot claim a separate deduction for your donated car.
30‑day written acknowledgment timeline
After your vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind sends you a written acknowledgment or Form 1098‑C within 30 days of the sale date. Keep this document with your records; it’s your official proof of the charitable vehicle contribution.