To claim your car donation on this year’s taxes, the IRS goes by the date your vehicle is actually picked up—not the day you call or fill out the form. In Austin-Round Rock, Ride Forward works with Heritage for the Blind to arrange free towing Monday–Saturday, but year-end slots go fast. Your car must be physically picked up on or before December 31 to count for this tax year. We strongly recommend you schedule 3–5 business days before December 31 so we can confirm a pickup time that meets the IRS deadline.
Whether you’re in South Austin, Mueller, Westlake, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Round Rock, or near the Domain, your donation helps Heritage for the Blind provide services to people who are blind or visually impaired. We accept cars, trucks, SUVs and vans in almost any condition—running or not—with no inspection or repairs required. The pickup is always free, and you’ll receive the IRS-required written acknowledgment for your records after the vehicle sells. If you’re watching the calendar and want that deduction this year, this is the moment to act—finish our simple 2-minute form or call now to lock in your year-end pickup in the Austin-Round Rock area.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2-minute donation form or call
2 minutesShare your contact info, vehicle details, and best pickup times. In Austin-Round Rock, this quick step gets you into our year-end schedule. Have your title nearby if possible, but don’t wait on it if the calendar’s already tight.
Choose a pickup window before December 31
5 minutesAn agent confirms your preferred day and time. To safely meet the IRS cutoff, schedule at least 3–5 business days before Dec 31, especially around the holidays, when Austin pickups fill up fast.
Prepare the car for towing (no repairs needed)
10 minutesRemove personal items, take off your toll tag, and clear out the glove box. No need to clean, repair, or smog the vehicle. Heritage for the Blind’s towing partners can handle non-running cars across Austin, Round Rock, and nearby suburbs.
Vehicle is picked up — your deduction year is locked
15–30 minutesOn pickup day, sign any required transfer paperwork. The IRS considers the pickup date as your donation date. If the tow truck arrives on or before December 31, the deduction applies to this tax year.
Receive your written acknowledgment and tax forms
VariesAfter your car sells, Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment. For vehicles sold above $500, you’ll receive IRS Form 1098-C. Keep this with your records when you itemize deductions on Schedule A for that tax year.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Pickup date controls the tax year
For the IRS, the donation date is when Heritage for the Blind physically picks up your vehicle, not when you call or submit the form. A pickup on or before December 31 counts for that calendar year’s deduction.
Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500
If Heritage for the Blind sells your vehicle for more than $500, they’ll issue IRS Form 1098-C. This form shows the gross sale price, which generally limits the amount you can claim as a charitable deduction.
You must itemize on Schedule A
Vehicle donations are charitable contributions. To benefit, you must itemize deductions on Schedule A of your federal tax return instead of taking the standard deduction. Talk with a tax professional about what’s best for your situation.
Written acknowledgment is required
The IRS requires a written acknowledgment from the charity for vehicle donations. Heritage for the Blind mails this after your vehicle sells, typically within about 30 days of the sale; keep it with your tax records.
Sale price usually sets your deduction
In most cases, your deduction is limited to the vehicle’s actual sale price, not a price guide estimate. Your 1098-C or acknowledgment letter will list that amount so you can accurately report it on your tax return.