If you want your car donation to count for this tax year, the IRS uses the pickup date—not the date you call or fill out the form. Your vehicle must be physically picked up by December 31 to claim the deduction on this year’s return. That’s why we urge Raleigh donors to schedule 3–5 business days before year-end. Carolina Charities Auto, benefiting Heritage for the Blind (a 501(c)(3)), runs Monday–Saturday through the holiday season to help you beat the deadline with free towing, even for non-running vehicles.
We’re local to the Research Triangle and understand how hectic year-end can be. Whether you’re in North Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Garner, Knightdale, Wake Forest, Durham, or Chapel Hill, our team works quickly to secure your pickup slot before December 31. There’s no inspection, no repairs, and no hassle—just a fast 2-minute form or call. After your vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind will mail your written acknowledgment (and IRS Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500), but your deduction year is locked in by the pickup date. Donate your car before year-end and make a real impact for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesComplete our quick online form or call now. Have your title (if available), VIN, and location in the Raleigh area ready. This locks in your intent, and our team immediately works to schedule a pickup before the December 31 IRS deadline.
Choose a pickup window before Dec 31
5 minutesOur Monday–Saturday dispatch helps you grab a spot even during the busy holiday season. We recommend scheduling 3–5 business days before December 31 so your car can be physically picked up in time for this year’s tax deduction.
Free towing anywhere in the Triangle
Day of pickupWe come to you in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, Apex, Garner, or surrounding areas—no charge. Non-running and damaged vehicles are welcome. You don’t need to clean, repair, or inspect the car; just remove personal items and hand over the keys if you have them.
Donation date locked in at pickup
Pickup completionThe IRS donation date is the day your vehicle is actually picked up, not when you call. As soon as our driver tows your car on or before December 31, your deduction is locked in for that tax year, even if it sells later.
Receive your tax acknowledgment by mail
After vehicle sellsAfter your vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment. For vehicles over $500, this includes IRS Form 1098-C. Use this with Schedule A when you file, claiming your deduction for the year the car was picked up.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 is the real IRS cutoff
For vehicles, the IRS counts the donation on the date the charity takes possession. Your car must be physically picked up on or before December 31 to claim the deduction for that tax year.
Pickup date, not the day you call
Scheduling a pickup doesn’t set the tax year—the completed pickup does. That’s why we urge Raleigh donors to contact us 3–5 business days before year-end so we can tow your car by December 31.
Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500
If your vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind will issue IRS Form 1098-C. This form shows the gross sale price, which you generally use as the deduction amount when itemizing.
You must itemize on Schedule A
To claim a car donation, you typically need to itemize deductions using IRS Schedule A. Keep your written acknowledgment (and Form 1098-C, if applicable) with your tax records to support your claim.
Acknowledgment can arrive the next year
Your donation year is based on the Dec 31 pickup date, even if the vehicle sells—and your acknowledgment is mailed—in the following calendar year. Keep this in mind when preparing your tax return.