Car Donation California

Car Donation CA Programs

Non-running vehicles often accepted.

Some charities offer same day pickup.

You many qualify for a nice tax deduction.

California car donation programs can be your ticket to a nice tax deduction and freeing up space on your lot, while being a good deed-doer.

 

Your California car donation can be as easy as following this handy guide:

Important Note:  The following first two steps are for your own protection. There are many devious car donation scams going on out there - with professional-looking and sounding pitchmen to get you to donate your old (or new) vehicle.  But watch out - they will get the value for your vehicle - not a charity.  (Not to mention there will be no tax deduction for you.) 

1.  Make sure your chosen California car donation charity is the real deal.  Make sure the charity has registered with the California Attorney General's Office. (link is below)

2. Make sure the California charity is registered with the IRS, so you are able to apply for a tax deduction.  It should be listed on IRS Publication 78 (Link below)

3. Have the vehicle title in your possession.  Replacement titles can be gotten at the California Department of Motor Vehicles (link below).  You will fill out a short form signing over the vehicle to the charity.  Note that many charities will offer to do this for you, but it may be a good idea to do it yourself... You want to make sure you are not held liable for future issues with the vehicle.

4. Arrange for pickup of your vehicle from the charity.  You shouldn't have to pay for any towing in California yourself - the charity should cover it.  Check with the California DMV to see if you should remove the plates or not.  At the time of this article, the plates should remain with the CA vehicle for donations.   

5. Save your receipts for when you file your taxes.  (You must itemize to get the deduction.) 

Important links for your California car donation:

California State Attorney General's Office  - check to see if the charity is registered in California - a requirement to be legal.

IRS Publication 78 - List of charities eligible for you to apply for a tax deduction.

California Department of Motor Vehicles - Here's where you will sign your title over to a chairty.

Your California car donation here in "The Golden State" will help someone or some family in need.  And you'll also be doing yourself the favor of getting rid of that old clunker and perhaps getting a tax deduction.