Since 2005, Goodwill Car Donations has helped communities like Austin strengthen lives through simple, meaningful vehicle donations. As you read on, you’ll learn how your car can support job training, community programs and essential services for your neighbors in need. You’ll also discover how easy the process is. To learn more, call 866-233-8586.
No matter where you live in Austin — whether it’s Bear Creek, Great Hills, Reimers Road, Shady Hollow or anywhere in between — we’re ready to pick up your vehicle.
What Are the Benefits of Donating a Car in Austin?
Donating your car puts you one step closer to becoming a modern-day hero: someone who helps transform lives in Austin without spending anything. You also get to enjoy valuable benefits when you donate. Here are the major ones:
Free towing You never need to pay a cent for pickup, even if the vehicle is somewhere other than your home. Goodwill Car Donations handles everything, including towing fees.
No more selling Avoid the stress of selling a used vehicle and skip the heavy paperwork. We’ll manage everything for you, including providing your IRS-approved tax documents.
Regain space Enjoy the extra room in your garage or driveway once you donate your car.
Eliminate additional expenses You can finally stop paying insurance, maintenance and other costs for a car you no longer use.
Top tax deduction You’ll receive the maximum tax write-off allowed for your generosity.
Quick process The donation process is fast, easy and convenient from start to finish.
A sense of fulfillment Feel good knowing you helped people build better, more stable lives.
What Vehicles Qualify for Donation?
We at Goodwill Car Donations accept a wide variety of vehicles for donation in Austin. If you’re unsure whether your vehicle qualifies, call us at 866-233-8586. These are the most common types we receive:
- Cars, vans, SUVs (sport utility vehicles), trucks, motorcycles
- Fleet cars, passenger vans, cargo vans, SUVs, pickups, trucks, buses
- Recreational vehicles (RVs), motorhomes, campers, travel trailers, pop-up trailers, 5-wheelers
- ATVs, snowmobiles, motorized wheelchairs, riding lawn mowers, 4x4s, tractors, farm equipment
- Sailboats, motorboats, fishing boats, yachts, pontoon boats, houseboats, personal watercraft (i.e. jet skis)
- Non-commercial airplanes, jet planes
What Can I Do If My Car is Not Running Anymore?
In many cases, we can accept your car even if it’s not running or needs major repairs. The main requirement is that the vehicle must be towable. To find out if your vehicle meets the criteria, call our toll-free 24/7 hotline at 866-233-8586.
What Happens to My Donated Car?
Because there are millions of buyers nationwide searching for all types of used vehicles, we can sell your donated car quickly through a trusted auction. The funds generated support community outreach and essential programs, including:
- Job training and mentoring programs
- Employment services
- Critical community-building support
- Barrier-free housing for the disabled
What Do I Do If I Lost My Vehicle Title?
We can still process your donation without the original title, but you’ll need to secure a duplicate. We can guide you through the entire process. Just call 866-233-8586 and we’ll help you get started.
How Do I Claim My Tax Deduction?
Important tax documents will be sent to you once they are ready. If your vehicle sells for under $500, we will provide a receipt or acknowledgment for your deduction. If it sells for more than $500, you’ll receive IRS Form 1098-C within 30 days of the sale, which you’ll use when itemizing your deductions.
How Is the Value Determined on a Donated Vehicle?
Your tax deduction is based on the gross proceeds from the vehicle’s sale or, in certain cases, on its fair market value. If the vehicle sells for more than $500, your deduction equals the sale price. If it sells for less, you can claim fair market value up to $500.
How Do I Donate a Car in Austin, Texas?
Goodwill Car Donations ensures a simple, stress-free donation process. Here are answers to common questions and a quick overview of the steps:
Step 1. Get in touch with us. Call 866-233-8586 or fill out our online form. Share your contact details and basic vehicle information, including make, model, mileage, condition and title status.
Step 2. Schedule your pickup. We’ll coordinate a free towing appointment at your preferred date, time and location. You don’t need to be present.
Step 3. Enjoy a hefty tax deduction. Once sold at auction, we’ll mail you the vehicle’s sales receipt so you can claim your deduction.
Why Should I Choose Goodwill Car Donations?
Goodwill Car Donations is part of a trusted organization dedicated to helping people and communities thrive. For decades, Goodwill programs have empowered disadvantaged individuals with the tools and support they need to build better lives.
Your car donation in Austin will be used exactly where it’s needed most. With our long-standing reputation for integrity and impact, you can trust that your generosity will directly support meaningful community programs.
Beyond Donating, How Else Can I Help My Community?
If you want to do even more to support struggling families in Austin, consider reaching out to local agencies that provide essential services to low-income residents. The City of Austin Neighborhood Centers offer emergency rent and utility assistance, food support and pantry services, all of which often rely on volunteers to meet high demand. You can also contact the Travis County Community Centers, which provide food aid, utility help and case-management support. These community hubs frequently need volunteers to help run daily programs. The Austin Public Health (APH) Volunteer, Intern, Practicum (VIP) Program connects residents with public health initiatives that address issues worsened by poverty. Finally, the Housing Authority of Travis County (HATC) may welcome volunteers to help with administrative tasks, resident programs and community-building activities within affordable housing communities. Reaching out to these agencies is a powerful way to support neighbors who are working toward stability.
Ready to Donate Now?
Are you ready to transform lives in your community? Call 866-233-8586 and donate to our Austin, Texas car donation program. Make one of the most meaningful decisions of your life today!
Last Updated: December 1st, 2025