• Does my car have to be running to qualify for donating?
No, but the car must have all of it parts (tires, mechanical components, etc.) and be towable.
• What paperwork do I need?
A signed title and registration card. If you don’t have the title, you can obtain an Application for Replacement Title from the local DMV, either in person or online. The vehicle’s title (or replacement title), registration, and keys should be given to the towing company at the time of pickup.
• How much can I claim as a deduction?
This is best explained in IRS Publication 4303 “A Donor’s Guide to Vehicle Donations”, last revised in March 2008. (Click here to view it.) In most cases, the maximum you can deduct is the gross sale amount of the vehicle at auction. If the gross sales amount is over $500, a St. Vincent de Paul staff person will call to ask for your Social Security or Taxpayer ID number; otherwise, you can’t claim more than $500.
• Do I get a receipt for my donation?
A temporary receipt will be left with you when the vehicle is picked up. This initial acknowledgement will indicate your name and the year, make, and model of the vehicle you are donating. A final acknowledgement (including an IRS Form 1098-C) will be mailed to you. The amount of gross proceeds received from your vehicle will be listed on this receipt. This will be your receipt for your charitable contribution.
• Do I have to be with vehicle when it’s picked-up?
No. You can make special arrangements when you talk with the towing company.
• What does SVdP do with the donated vehicles?
The vehicles are sold at auction. The funds from vehicle sales are used to provide assistance to clients with food, rent, and utilities.
• How much money will SVdP receive?
After the car is sold, towing and administrative costs are deducted, and SVdP will receive the remainder of the proceeds.