If you have that passion for helping out those in need and at the same time has a used car that you want to get rid of, why not find charities that take car donations? It’s like hitting two birds with one stone; you’ve helped out and at the same time finally freed yourself from that car you’ve always wanted to sell but can’t find anyone interested in.
It may sound so simple but the meaningful act that you would be engaging in could score you a tax deduction in the gross amount of the sale or the fair market value of your vehicle at the same time. But there are also things to keep in mind when making a car donation. It may be a popular form of charitable work nowadays but there are unscrupulous companies that have sprung up pretending they act on behalf of the charity to provide towing and salvage service, yet the cost of all their services are so high that the beneficiary of your donation receives very little.
Charities that take car donations save you the hassle of advertising your used car and finding buyers yourself. If your car doesn’t mean that much to you anymore, the charities that take car donations would significantly value it. Also, the car doesn’t necessarily have to be in good running condition for it to have a salvage value from which your chosen charity can benefit.
Charities That Take Car Donations Directly
If you’re set on donating your vehicle, make sure you deliver the car yourself to the charity organization. Do not let a middleman mediate your transaction with the charity organization. Numerous for-profit organizations advertise highly on TV, billboards and elsewhere saying that they will help you donate to charities that take car donations but these organizations keep a high percentage value from your car, leaving the charities with less than what they deserve. There are charities that take car donations when you bring your car to them or they could pick up your car for you.
Charities That Take Car Donations Online
If you are unsure as to where you can donate your car, there are websites that provide track records of charities that could benefit from your donation like the Better Business Bureau site or through the Charity Navigator. There are also non-profit organizations who are capable of receiving donations.
Regardless of the method of donating, what’s more essential are the people benefiting from these charities that take car donations.