Don’t Be Left Stranded in Wintry Weather!

People can give you plenty of reasons why winter is wonderful. Aside from seeing the charming panorama of a world blanketed in fluffy snow, outdoor and adventure lovers get to hit the slopes, bookworms get to indulge in blanket activities, and foodies get to eat all the comfort food they want.

However, wintry weather can easily become a nightmare to anyone who’s driving a car that doesn’t fare well in the ice and snow. If you live in a region that gets hit hard by snow, you’d want to look for the right car that’s better suited for the snowy weather.

What Are the Best Vehicles for Snowy Places in 2021?

Do you find yourself regularly driving through blizzards? As winter driving looms, you’ll need to find the ideal vehicle for this type of travel. One of the ways to narrow down your search is to check out these 3 top-rated vehicles for winter driving.

1. Subaru Crosstrek

This is the best car for the winter-weary. Thanks to its all-wheel drive, the Crosstrek hatchback makes it easy for you to drive from point A to point B as safely as possible, regardless of the weather. You’ll love its SUV-like ground clearance as well as its plastic body cladding.

Although its acceleration isn’t exactly fast, it’s quite adequate. For the 2021 model, Subaru added a much bigger engine that allows the vehicle to put extra power under your right foot. With its sophisticated styling, modern infotainment system, and spacious interior, this car has proven itself to be a well-made package for winter driving.

2. Volvo V90 Cross Country

If you’re looking to purchase the best luxury car for winter driving, you can’t go wrong with this masterpiece of Swedish design. The Volvo V90 Cross Country is the best choice for you if you prefer a ruggedly handsome station wagon that’s more appealing than a Subaru Outback. You can expect this true winter warrior’s all-wheel drive to give you excellent traction while you’re on a frozen lake.

The Volvo V90 Cross Country mimics the SUV styling with its extra ground clearance and its plastic body cladding that offers an extra dose of ruggedness. Moreover, you’ll like its turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, its user-friendly tech features, and high-quality ergonomic interior

3. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Looking for the right SUV for the Rubicon Trail? Handling snowy roads isn’t an issue for this capable winter vehicle. If you’re a serious adventurer, you’ll want to pick the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Its off-road prowess and ability to withstand the elements won’t fail to impress you.

Furthermore, the Jeep Grand Cherokee also offers more than enough room for five adult passengers and gear. It also comes with a touchscreen-based infotainment system that’s easy to navigate while you’re enjoying your winter excursion.

Ready to Part Ways with Your Old Clunker?

Goodwill Car Donations makes it easy for you to get rid of an unwanted vehicle while you make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged individuals residing in your area.

All it takes is for you to contact us either online or by phone to free yourself from the burden of having to maintain a car that’s giving you lots of headaches. Once we get hold of your clunker, we will sell it and use the proceeds to support the vital community development programs and services of the Goodwill organization serving your locality.

Goodwill organizations are IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits that cater to disadvantaged Americans throughout the country. They include those people in your community who are suffering from disabilities, lack of education or essential skills, and other disadvantages that make living a daily struggle.

These Goodwill nonprofits use the funding that comes from the sale of donated vehicles to provide their beneficiaries with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

It will take you just a few minutes of your time to donate to us. All you have to do is contact Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll handle everything else from that point on, including picking up and towing your vehicle at absolutely no cost to you.

Your charitable contribution will also make you eligible to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

Better yet, you will also savor the satisfaction of having done something wonderful for your community by supporting the creation of new jobs. This will surely contribute to the growth and progress of your community.

You can donate almost any type of vehicle even if it’s no longer working properly.

For information about our vehicle donation process and other important details, feel free to check out our FAQs page. If you have questions or concerns, call us at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here.

Get Into a Win-Win Situation Today!

You can never go wrong when you donate your old beater to Goodwill Car Donations. It’s your textbook description of a classic win-win situation. Your community will benefit from it while you reap fantastic donation rewards as well. There’s no time to waste! Call us at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!

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How to Keep Your Car in Tip-Top Shape This Season

Whether you like it or not, winter’s here. During this time, car ownership can be a little challenging. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving a plug-in hybrid, an EV, hybrid, or gas/diesel — the freezing temperatures can and will affect your vehicle and the way you drive. For this reason, you need to prioritize car caring and make the necessary preparations to face the punishing cold.

Car Caring Tips for the Winter Season

If you want to make sure that your car runs smoothly and retains its life during the winter season, you need to follow these winter car care tips that Goodwill Car Donations has pulled together for you.

1. Test your defroster and heater.

Be sure to check your climate control system as well as your window defroster. You’ll want them functioning fully so that you can be safe and comfortable during these cold months. If yours is an electric vehicle, keep in mind that your use of a heater will have an impact on how far your car can travel.

2. Use winter tires instead of regular tires.

Do you live in a region where temperatures usually drop below 45°? It doesn’t matter if it’s snowing or not — you have to replace your regular tires with winter tires so you can have better traction while you’re stopping or turning on icy roads.

3. Check your tire pressure every week.

The last thing you’d want is to drive on underinflated tires while driving on slippery or icy surfaces. Be mindful that with every 10-degree decrease in temperature, your tires lose a pound of pressure. If you don’t want them to wear down prematurely and lose traction, be sure to check their pressure every week.

4. Get your lights checked.

Since winter months have shorter days, you won’t get as much daylight as you normally do. For this reason, you’ll have to make sure that your headlights and tail lights are in good condition, giving you the best road illumination while you’re driving.

5. Flush and fill antifreeze.

To prevent your car from freezing in the punishing cold, make sure to check if you have enough antifreeze in your vehicle and if there are any leaks in your engine. Your car’s radiator should have a 1:1 ratio of antifreeze and water to reduce your engine’s freezing point.

6. Add a protective layer.

A coat of polymer wax on your car’s body can effectively create a barrier against road salt, snow, grime, and sleet. It’s also extremely important to use high-pressure car washes to rinse away the buildup in your car’s underbody, wheels, and wheel wells after winter storms.

Reach Out to Disadvantaged Folks This Winter

While making sure that your car is fit to drive this winter, spare a thought for the needy people in your local area who are freezing in their homes and struggling to make ends meet. They include the men and women in your community who are suffering from disabilities, lack of education or essential skills, and other disadvantages that make it tough for them to find decent sources of income.

You can easily lend them a helping hand with the simple act of donating an unwanted vehicle to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We will use your donation to improve the lives of your less fortunate neighbors.

We will auction off your donated vehicle and turn over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged individuals, using the funding that we give them to provide their beneficiaries with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

These are all meant to equip these needy individuals with the tools that will help them attain economic independence and a better quality of life.

We’ll pick up and tow your vehicle for free wherever you had it parked or stored anywhere in the country. Your donation will also entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

What’s more, you can count on us to provide you with a highly satisfying donation experience, knowing that your act of charity will help generate new jobs in your community.

We accept almost all types of vehicles, whether still in good condition or no longer.

To find out the details of our vehicle donation process, and other relevant information, visit our FAQs page. For your questions and concerns, call us at 866-233-8586 or write to us here.

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Warm the Hearts of the Needy with Your Gift

This winter, warm the hearts of your less fortunate neighbors by giving them the gift of hope of a better life. Your car donation will help give them this hope. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!

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Be Ready for Road Emergencies at This Time of the Year

If you think that your keys and a full tank of gas are the only things you need to drive your car during winter, think again. Unless you’re willing to suffer the consequences of being stuck in the snow, you should always be fully prepared when driving your car when the weather is freezing.

Aside from watching the weather news on TV, you should take extra measures to prepare for winter driving. Road accidents are more likely to happen during this time. For this reason, storing basic winter equipment in your car is a must. You wouldn’t want to end up inside a car blanketed in snow in the middle of nowhere while waiting for roadside assistance to come and help you.

What Are the 3 Important Things You Need to Keep in Your Car During Winter?

With the freezing temperatures, snow, and ice, winter driving is definitely more demanding than normal driving. Regardless of your vehicle’s year, make, or model, you should have these 3 important things on hand.

1. Shovel

A shovel is something that every motorist has to have in their trunk. This comes in different shapes and sizes, that’s why you can easily store one in your vehicle regardless of its storage space. You’d thank yourself for having this tool if your car gets stuck on a snow-covered road or if you need to dig it out after a snowstorm.

2. Snow brush

Keeping a snow brush handy during winter is a wise move. You’ll need it to clear off your lights and windows before you hit the road. Most snow brushes come with ice scrapers attached to them. These won’t take up too much trunk space.

3. Fleece blanket

Being stranded during winter is more than an inconvenience. If your car breaks down or your heater isn’t working, you’d want a thick blanket to keep you warm if you have to tough it out inside your car for a few hours. Make sure to keep a fleece blanket in your trunk especially during long travels.

Your Community’s Disadvantaged Folks Badly Need Help This Winter

With foresight and mindfulness, you can always get ready for driving during snowy days. Consider yourself lucky; the less fortunate folks in your community don’t have the luxury of preparing themselves for the bleak days of winter. They’re the disadvantaged individuals who are saddled with disabilities, lack of education or essential skills, and other personal issues that keep them glued to poverty.

You can extend them a helping hand by simply donating any type of vehicle to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We will use your donation to provide your needy neighbors with opportunities to harness their full potential so they can achieve financial stability and start living productive and fulfilling lives.

We will put your vehicle up for auction and turn over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your local area. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits use the funding to provide deserving individuals in your community with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

As a Goodwill donor, you’ll enjoy meaningful returns for your generosity. These include the free towing of your unwanted vehicle and your entitlement to the highest possible tax deduction due you in the next tax season.

Moreover, nothing compares to the joy and satisfaction you’d feel, knowing that your charitable contribution will greatly benefit your community in terms of the jobs that it will create for the empowerment of your less fortunate fellow residents.

We accept nearly all types of vehicles, whether they’re still in good running condition or no longer. We can pick up and tow your vehicle wherever you had it parked or stored anywhere in the country.

To get to know our quick and easy vehicle donation process and other details, just visit our FAQs page. Should you have any questions or concerns, you may call us at our toll-free hotline 866-233-8586. You may also write to us here.

Reach Out to Those Shivering Folks Out There!

This winter, reach out to the disadvantaged folks in your community who are helplessly shivering in their homes. Help them find the means to turn their lives around. Your car donation can do that. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!

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There’s No Trip Like a Winter RV Trip

If you love taking trips in your RV, then you’d surely enjoy one in winter. Imagine setting up in a peaceful woodland amid a scenic campground, waking up to see white snow covering the ground like a thick blanket.

Cold weather or winter RVing can be an affordable way to have a vacation without having to go to a ski destination or tourist spot. Don’t let the cold weather discourage you from taking an RV trip and having fun outdoors.

You do need to remember though that a winter trip is different from one taken in warmer seasons. You need to make sure your camper is 100% ready to face the cold, snow, and ice. The last thing you want to experience is your RV’s engine or other parts suffering from damage during a trip. To have an enjoyable winter experience that’s comfortable and safe, preparation is a key factor.

Take a look at the top 3 tips you need to keep in mind when planning for a cold-weather RV trip:

1. Protect your plumbing.

Aside from keeping you warm and safe, your RV should also be a place where you can “do your business.” When you’re out in the woods camping, your RV will likely be the only secure place you can go to the bathroom, unless there’s a diner or a similar facility nearby. Avoid having your plumbing busted because of freeze-ups during cold-weather. Use heat tapes or strips on your pipes. Utilize internal water tanks instead of connecting to external ones. Also, don’t forget to add a small amount of anti-freeze to your holding tanks.

2. Take extra care of your engine.

Before going out on your trip, have your RV checked to make sure it’s in tip-top shape. Inspect batteries and your engine’s components for any sign of damage or wear. Top up your engine’s antifreeze if needed as it’s going to be very important in freezing temperatures.

3. Your RV furnace is your best friend.

You do not want to have your furnace break down in the middle of a winter trip. Have your RV furnace checked by a certified RV technician. Have it cleaned and replace any worn-out parts. You’ll want your furnace to be 100% working efficiently in keeping you warm and dry throughout your outdoor adventure.

Your Unwanted Vehicle Can Help Support Your Struggling Neighbors

Heading outdoors with your trusty RV in winter can be quite a challenge. Still, at least you’ve got your RV to keep you safe and warm.

Unfortunately, some residents in your local area don’t enjoy the same luxury. These are the impoverished men and women who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education and essential skills, and other personal hindrances that prevent them from securing decent and stable sources of income.

If you’ve got a clapped-out vehicle that’s just sitting in your driveway, you can use this to help your less fortunate neighbors. All you got to do is to donate that vehicle to us at Goodwill Car Donations.

We’ll fix and shine your vehicle for free and get it ready for auction. Once the vehicle is sold off, we will transfer the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged individuals and use the funding coming from charitable contributions to help finance the services they provide to their beneficiaries. These services include job and skills training, career opportunities, vocational and educational services, internship programs, financial support, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

We’ll pick up and tow your vehicle for free wherever you are located in the country. Your donation will also entitle you to receive a top tax deduction in the next tax season.

More importantly, your act of charity will bring you an immense sense of satisfaction, knowing that you’ll be contributing to the growth and development of your community by empowering your needy fellow residents through work and learning.

We accept almost all types of vehicles, including those that have dents and scratches and a few missing or defective parts.

To learn more about our donation program, including our quick and easy donation process, head over to our FAQs page. If you have questions or concerns, tell us about them here. We will respond to you promptly. You may also give us a call at our toll-free hotline 866-233-8586. We’d be happy to hear from you!

Be a Hero to Your Disadvantaged Neighbors

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This winter, extend the warmth of your compassion to the needy people in your community. Become a hero to them with your vehicle donation. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!

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December Is the Best Time to Donate to a Charity

The holiday season is the best time to perform acts of charity such as making a charitable car donation. As the season reminds us of the many blessings we’ve received that we should be thankful for, it is also an opportune time to share those blessings with the less fortunate.

We Americans, in particular, are known to be very charitable people. Based on statistics released by Giving USA, Americans gave $427.71 billion to charity in 2018. This figure included $292.09 billion donated by private individuals while the rest came from large corporations.

December is that time of the year when charitable organizations expect to receive the bulk of donations from private citizens and corporations to tide them over the lean months that follow. When they don’t get to meet their holiday collection goal, this would adversely affect their operations in the months ahead. Some might even be forced to suspend their charitable work. When you make your donation during the holiday season, you’ll help a charitable organization sustain its operation for the benefit of the needy.

Another reason why it’s good to make a tax-deductible charitable donation during the holiday season or before December 31^st is that it will allow you to claim your tax deduction on or before the tax-filing deadline of the following year. This means you can claim your tax deduction just a few weeks or months after making your donation.

The Other Benefits of Donating to a Charity

Moreover, the act of donating to a charity provides many benefits not just to the recipient but to the giver as well. Here are the other benefits that charitable giving provides:

1. Giving will allow you to touch lives.

Sharing your blessings allows you to touch the lives of people in need. No matter how big or small, your act of charity would mean a lot to the charities and their beneficiaries you would be supporting.

2. Giving will make you happier.

A study conducted by the American Psychological Association found evidence that the act of giving makes a person happier than the act of receiving. This is attributed to the sense of connection that one feels when helping others. From a scientific or medical perspective, the act of giving releases endorphins that activate the pleasure center of the brain.

3. Giving promotes better health.

Another study shows that donating time and resources to others promotes physical and mental health. Study participants who gave donations showed lower blood pressure, body mass index, and “bad” LDL cholesterol level compared to those who didn’t donate.

Why Donate an Old Car This Holiday Season?

You can donate your old and unwanted vehicle to charity at any time of the year, but the holiday season is the best time to do so for the reasons we earlier mentioned.

When you turn over that clunker to us at Goodwill Car Donations, we’ll provide awesome benefits to both the beneficiaries of your donation and yourself, too.

We will auction off your donated vehicle and turn over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your place. These IRS-approved 501(c)3 nonprofits cater to individuals burdened with disabilities, lack of education or essential skills, and other personal hindrances that keep them stuck in poverty. They empower these men and women through work and learning, providing them with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

These are all meant to equip needy individuals with the tools that will help them attain economic independence and a better quality of life.

We’ll pick up and tow your vehicle for free wherever you had it parked or stored anywhere in the country. Your donation will also entitle you to receive a healthy tax write-off in the next tax season.

What’s more, you can count on us to provide you with a highly satisfying donation experience, knowing that your act of charity will help generate new jobs in your community.

We accept almost all types of vehicles, whether still in good condition or no longer.

To find out the details of our vehicle donation process, and other relevant information, visit our FAQs page. For your questions and concerns, call us at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message online.

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Make a Difference in Your Community This Holiday Season

This holiday season, you can make your community a better place for everyone by taking part in our vehicle donation program. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!

Car Donation For Tax Deduction

Ready to say goodbye to an automobile? Interested in making a car donation for a tax deduction? This is definitely one of the big benefits of giving a vehicle to charity. Not only do you get to help other people, but you also get the possibility of a significant financial incentive come tax time. That said, in order to ensure the donation qualifies and maximize your write-off amount, it’s important to take the proper steps. 

Likewise, keep in mind, those who are looking to donate a car for a tax credit should understand the difference between credits and deductions. While there are no tax credits for donation, there are potential deductions, provided you itemize on the return and follow the proper guidelines from the IRS.

With that in mind, here are the steps to follow to get an IRS tax deduction for a car donation to charity:

1. Contribute to a qualifying charity. In order for you to be eligible to receive a tax deduction for a donation, you must give it to a charity that’s been properly certified. Choosing an IRS-certified 501(c)3 nonprofit organization such as Goodwill Car Donations means you automatically qualify.
2. Determine the deduction amount. Knowing the value of a donated car for tax purposes depends on the vehicle’s final selling price. According to the IRS Publication 561, you can either deduct the amount the automobile sells for or the fair market value up to $500. This means, for example, that if the car sells for $5,000, that is the amount you can deduct, even if the fair market value is higher. When one gives to Goodwill Car Donations, he or she should receive a tax receipt listing the sales price within 30 days of its auction; the receipt can also be emailed, if preferred.
3. Itemize tax deductions. When tax time arrives, you’ll have to itemize the deductions rather than take the standard deduction amount. This allows you to include the value of the car donation in the deductions total. You’ll also need to provide documentation of the contribution, listing your name, the vehicle identification number, the date of donation and a statement of sale.

Why Donate to Goodwill Car Donations

When you’re ready to get rid of a clunker, Goodwill Car Donations is the place that makes the entire donation process as quick, easy and beneficial as possible. All you have to do is contact us, and we take care of everything else. We come to you to pick up and tow the automobile at no cost. We provide a tax receipt after it’s been sold. We also accept all kinds of vehicles, from cars and vans to campers, boats, golf carts and ATVs, whatever their condition. 

More than that, though, your donation goes directly toward helping our nonprofit partners transform the lives of hurting people in your community. The proceeds of the car donation will fund vital services and programs geared toward the poor, unemployed and disabled near you. Truly, the possibility of a tax deduction is icing on the cake!

If you’re ready to learn more about our speedy, convenient donation process, reach out to us anytime. Completing a form takes two or three minutes, and it jumpstarts the vehicle contribution process. Get started on your donation today!

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Donate Your Car by December 31^st to Get Your Tax Deduction

Do you have an old car that’s just taking up space in your garage or backyard? Is your clunker becoming even more of a headache by the day with its frequent breakdowns? Are the repairs and parts replacements bleeding your pockets dry?

Rather than go through the trouble of finding a good buyer for your old car, or sending it to the scrapper and worry about the cost of transport, there is a practical way to get rid of your ancient auto without costing you a dime and, at the same time, turn it into an instrument of hope for the needy.

The holiday season is the best time to donate old and unwanted vehicles to charity. Not only will your donation provide vital assistance to your less fortunate fellow Americans, it will also entitle you to receive a hefty tax deduction for the current year if you donate it before December 31^st.

You’ll qualify for the tax write-off for as long as you made your auto donation to an IRS-registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Don’t worry if the charity isn’t able to auction off your car in the first few days or weeks of the new year; you’ll still be able to claim your tax deduction when you file your itemized federal income tax return before the April 15 tax filing deadline next year.

Here are some tips for donating your car before the start of the New Year.

1. Pick a qualified charity.

If you’re going to use your car to support a charity, pick one that’s listed on the IRS website to make sure that you will qualify for a tax deduction.

2. Avoid middlemen.

It is better to contact legitimate charities directly rather than go with car donation “charities” that only make token donations to charities. These organizations keep a portion of the vehicle’s value, which lessens the value that you can claim for your tax deduction.

3. Keep your records. 

Keep the documents that the charity will provide you such as the written proof of donation, receipt of sale, and also the copy of title change to end your legal liability to your donated auto.

4. Understand IRS rules before filing your tax return.

Understand the IRS rules on claiming tax deductions before filing your tax return. Check whether you can claim a bigger tax write-off if you itemize your deductions rather than simply go for the standard deduction.

5. Donate online. 

Donate online to minimize paper filings. It will be a big favor to the environment.

How Your Donation Can Help the Poor

If you want to donate your car to charity for the benefit of the poor, donate it to us at Goodwill Car Donations. When you do so, you’ll help empower the disadvantaged individuals in your community. These are the men and women who can’t find decent and stable sources of income because of disabilities, lack of essential skills and education, and other personal issues.

We’ll have your car auctioned off, with the proceeds going straight to the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These are IRS-certified 501(c)3 nonprofits that provide deserving individuals in your community with job training, employment opportunities, livelihood assistance, and other critical community-building support services.

With these services that you will help support with your vehicle donation, the disadvantaged residents of your community will be able to make full use of their potential, find decent jobs or livelihood, and free themselves from poverty.

Taking part in our donation program won’t require you to leave the comfort of your home or pay for the towing of your vehicle. We’ll send out a licensed towing company to pick up your vehicle at no cost to you. Plus, we’ll have your 100% tax-deductible receipt delivered to your doorstep days after we get your car sold. With this receipt, you can claim your maximized tax deduction in the next tax season.

Aside from the material rewards that you’ll get from your act of charity, you’ll find great satisfaction in doing something that will benefit your entire community as once idle individuals will be given opportunities to attain financial stability and live productive and fulfilling lives.

We accept nearly all vehicle types, whether they’re still in good condition or no longer. Your location won’t be a problem since we can serve you wherever you’re located in the United States.

You can learn more about how everything works in our vehicle donation program by checking out our FAQs page. If you have questions, call us at 866-233-8586 or contact us online.

Help the Needy and Yourself, Too!

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Before the year ends, use your old car to help the less fortunate members of your community and, yes, to be able to claim a tax deduction next year. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!

4 Amazing Thrifting Hacks You Need to Know on National Thrift Shop Day

Are you ready? Get set. Shop! August 17 is known throughout the country as National Thrift Shop Day. It’s the perfect opportunity for budget spenders and smart shoppers to profess their love for thrift shops that have saved them a ton of money over the years.

All over the country, there are over 25,000 resale, consignment, and non-profit resale shops in operation. Popularly known as thrift shops, these establishments are typically run by charitable organizations to raise money to support their respective causes.

Buying goods from thrift shops is a great way to save money because the items being sold there cost much less than those sold in other establishments. Shopping in thrift shops benefits the buyers, merchants, charities, and their beneficiaries.

The Benefits of Shopping at a Thrift Shop

Consumers can benefit immensely from shopping at thrift shops, Here are three of those benefits:

1. Thrift shops offer treasure troves of unique items.

Stop worrying about the possibility that when you go to school or work, you might find yourself dressed in exactly the same kind of shirt worn by some of your classmates or officemates. There’s a huge selection of clothes offered for sale at thrift stores. These clothes are not necessarily the most fashionable ones, but you could start a trend with the right effort and creativity. Plus, for the same amount of cash, you could get three times more items at a thrift store than when you shop at a mall. If you know where to look, thrift shops are also an excellent source of unique pieces for your home decorating projects.

2. You can save a lot of money.

You get a bang for your buck when you shop at thrift shops. This will free up your budget for more important things.

3. Thrift shops are excellent sources of good books.

People donate books in thrift shops all the time. You can discover a wealth of amazing titles. You might even find your new favorite there.

4 Thrift Store Hacks You Need to Know

While shopping at thrift shops may overwhelm first-timers, the pros have spoken and shared some amazing tips to guide you on your bargain hunting:

1. Check the back racks.

Shoppers tend to rummage through the front racks the most and fail to notice that the good stuff may be buried deep in the back racks. Unlike department stores, clothes are not sorted by style or color at thrift shops. There you can find unique fashion gems time and again.

2. Ask for discounts.

You can’t use vouchers at thrift shops, but you can haggle for discounts. The objective of thrift shops is to get rid of their inventories. That’s why many of them are willing to give reasonable discounts.

3. Check for damage.

Because the items sold at thrift shops are previously owned, you might find that some are not in the best condition. Make sure to check your items for damage or stains. If you are willing to fix the damage, then go ahead and make the purchase. If not, then try to find another item that catches your fancy.

4. Shop off-season.

Go shopping off-season if you want to get the best deals. Wait for people to get rid of their Christmas decors and go thrifting after the peak season to take advantage of better inventories and lower prices. There are a ton of Christmas items you can stock up on for the next season.

You Get Benefits for Helping the Needy

There are a lot of charitable organizations that run thrift shops. These benefit both bargain hunters and the beneficiaries of charities that run those thrift shops. That’s why, without probably knowing about it, you’re actually helping people in need when you shop at a thrift store.

If you want to extend more meaningful assistance to the needy, then call us at Goodwill Car Donations and donate whatever vehicle you no longer need.

Your charitable contribution will help us raise funds for the Goodwill organizations serving your area. This will help them sustain and even expand the critical programs and services they provide to the disadvantaged residents of your community. These include the men and women in your neighborhood who are saddled with disabilities, lack of education, experience, and skills, and other obstacles to having decent and stable jobs and a bright, promising future.

We will sell your donated vehicle through an auction, with the proceeds going to the concerned Goodwill organizations. These IRS-certified 501(c)3 nonprofits provide their beneficiaries with job training, employment and learning opportunities, livelihood assistance, and other critical community-building support services.

We accept nearly all vehicle types, even those that are no longer working.You’ll also benefit from your gift since this will entitle you to receive a substantial tax deduction in the next tax season. Moreover, we’ll provide you with our free towing service.

For more information about our vehicle donation program, feel free to check out our FAQs page. If you have questions, call us at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here.

Win-Win Solutions for You

Shopping at thrift stores and donating a car are both win-win solutions. The former is a smart and practical choice to save on money and help the needy while the latter helps you get rid of your unneeded clunker and allows you to support disadvantaged residents of your community at the same time. Don’t think twice about making a Goodwill vehicle donation. Call us at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form today!

Photo by www.kaboompics.com under Pexels License

5 Common Tax Deductions You Can Get for Your 2019 Taxes

Taxpayers throughout the country can only be expected to grab the chance to get tax deductions in a heartbeat. After all, who wouldn’t want to reduce their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) on their income tax returns?

This year’s tax filing deadline has been pushed back for three months — from April 15 to July 15 — because of the novel coronavirus pandemic. This means that people have more time to work on their taxable income and tax write-offs for 2019.

How to Claim Tax Deductions

Tax deductions allow taxpayers to get the most out of their tax returns. However, most people get confused about the various types of tax deductions that they can claim.

Generally, there are two ways to claim tax deductions: Either you take the standard deduction or itemize deductions. You can’t do both. Some tax deductions can only be counted if you itemize your taxes. However,  you can no longer claim them if you opt for the standard deduction.

1. Standard deduction

The standard deduction is a flat-dollar, no-questions-asked reduction in your AGI. The amount you qualify for depends on your filing status.

For example, for 2019, if you’re single, your standard deduction is $12,200. If you’re married and filing jointly, your tax write-off is $24,400. If you’re married but filing separately, your tax cut is $12,200. If you’re the head of your household, the deduction is $18,350.

Taxpayers over age 65 or who are blind get a bigger standard deduction.

2. Itemized deductions

When you itemize your deductions, you cut your taxable income by taking any of the hundreds of available tax deductions you qualify for. The more you can deduct, the less you’ll pay in taxes.

When filing your tax return, the question is: Should you itemize or take the standard deduction?

If your standard deduction is less than the sum of your itemized deductions, you’ll likely save money if you itemize. However, if your standard deduction is more than the sum of your itemized deductions, your best option may be to take the standard deduction.

What Are the Most Common Tax Deductions You Can Itemize for Your 2019 Taxes?

If you’re not exactly sure about what qualifies as tax deductions that you can itemize, we’ve compiled the most common tax deductions for 2019 taxes.

1. Charitable contributions

If you’re someone who champions and supports a cause, then giving to charities is probably not a new thing to you. Perhaps you’re also aware that the value of your donation can be deducted from your taxable income if you’re making a charitable contribution to an IRS-determined 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations. Although certain changes were made in the guidelines for charitable contributions, U.S. taxpayers can still claim their tax deductions for as much as 60 percent of their adjusted gross income.

2. Medical expenses

People who have insurance may still have to pay for some medical or dental expenses out of their own pockets. These include doctor’s fees, hospital care, rehabilitation, and payments for certain medications and prescriptions such as insulin, eyeglasses, hearing aids, crutches or wheelchairs. However, medical and dental expenses may only qualify as tax deductions if they amount to more than 7.5 percent of your annual gross income.

3. Student loan interest

While paying your student loans can be daunting, you can get something out of it. The interest rate you pay for your loan can be considered tax-deductible. Most taxpayers can claim it as an itemized deduction while others may opt to claim it as an adjustment to their tuition. While this may be considered as an itemized deduction, taxpayers can also opt to claim it as an adjustment to their income.

4. Property taxes

If you own a land, car, watercraft or aircraft, you can take advantage of tax deductions from the property tax you pay for. This deduction falls under the SALT or state and local taxes deduction. However, property owners are only allowed to claim as much as $10,000 deduction for the taxes they paid for their property.  

5. Health Savings Account contribution

Those who are making contributions to their Health Savings Account (HSA) can claim a tax deduction based on the payments they made in the previous year. However, this doesn’t apply to those whose employers are the ones who have been paying for their HSA.

Donate a Vehicle and Get a Top Tax Deduction!

If you have a vehicle that you want to dispose of, consider donating it to Goodwill Car Donations. When you do so, you’ll entitle yourself to a top tax deduction in the next tax season while you help the disadvantaged members of your community.

We’ll auction off your donated vehicle and use the proceeds to fund the programs and services of the Goodwill organizations in your local area. These are IRS-approved 501(c)3 nonprofits that provide deserving less fortunate individuals with job training, employment and learning opportunities, livelihood assistance, and other critical community-building support services. These are all meant to equip and empower them so they can take care of themselves and their families as well.

We’ll pick up and tow your vehicle for free. What’s more, you can count on us to provide you with a quick and satisfying donation experience from start to finish.

We accept almost all types of vehicles, including those that need a lot of work.

If you need more information about how everything works in our donation process or about your benefits as a donor, visit our FAQs page. For your questions and concerns, call us at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message online.

Do Something Awesome Today

Photo by Roman Kraft under Unsplash License

The best thing about donating a car to Goodwill Car Donations is that you get to make a massive impact in your community. Support a worthy cause today! Call us at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!

Photo by Kelly Sikkema under Unsplash License

5 Common Tax Deductions You Can Get for Your 2019 Taxes – What You Need to Know about Tax Deductions

Taxpayers throughout the country can only be expected to grab the chance to get tax deductions in a heartbeat. After all, who wouldn’t want to reduce their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) on their income tax returns?

This year’s tax filing deadline has been pushed back for three months — from April 15 to July 15 — because of the novel coronavirus pandemic. This means that people have more time to work on their taxable income and tax write-offs for 2019.

How to Claim Tax Deductions

Tax deductions allow taxpayers to get the most out of their tax returns. However, most people get confused about the various types of tax deductions that they can claim.

Generally, there are two ways to claim tax deductions: Either you take the standard deduction or itemize deductions. You can’t do both. Some tax deductions can only be counted if you itemize your taxes. However,  you can no longer claim them if you opt for the standard deduction.

1. Standard deduction

The standard deduction is a flat-dollar, no-questions-asked reduction in your AGI. The amount you qualify for depends on your filing status.

For example, for 2019, if you’re single, your standard deduction is $12,200. If you’re married and filing jointly, your tax write-off is $24,400. If you’re married but filing separately, your tax cut is $12,200. If you’re the head of your household, the deduction is $18,350.

Taxpayers over age 65 or who are blind get a bigger standard deduction.

2. Itemized deductions

When you itemize your deductions, you cut your taxable income by taking any of the hundreds of available tax deductions you qualify for. The more you can deduct, the less you’ll pay in taxes.

When filing your tax return, the question is: Should you itemize or take the standard deduction?

If your standard deduction is less than the sum of your itemized deductions, you’ll likely save money if you itemize. However, if your standard deduction is more than the sum of your itemized deductions, your best option may be to take the standard deduction.

What Are the Most Common Tax Deductions You Can Itemize for Your 2019 Taxes?

If you’re not exactly sure about what qualifies as tax deductions that you can itemize, we’ve compiled the most common tax deductions for 2019 taxes.

1. Charitable contributions

If you’re someone who champions and supports a cause, then giving to charities is probably not a new thing to you. Perhaps you’re also aware that the value of your donation can be deducted from your taxable income if you’re making a charitable contribution to an IRS-determined 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations. Although certain changes were made in the guidelines for charitable contributions, U.S. taxpayers can still claim their tax deductions for as much as 60 percent of their adjusted gross income.

2. Medical expenses

People who have insurance may still have to pay for some medical or dental expenses out of their own pockets. These include doctor’s fees, hospital care, rehabilitation, and payments for certain medications and prescriptions such as insulin, eyeglasses, hearing aids, crutches or wheelchairs. However, medical and dental expenses may only qualify as tax deductions if they amount to more than 7.5 percent of your annual gross income.

3. Student loan interest

While paying your student loans can be daunting, you can get something out of it. The interest rate you pay for your loan can be considered tax-deductible. Most taxpayers can claim it as an itemized deduction while others may opt to claim it as an adjustment to their tuition. While this may be considered as an itemized deduction, taxpayers can also opt to claim it as an adjustment to their income.

4. Property taxes

If you own a land, car, watercraft or aircraft, you can take advantage of tax deductions from the property tax you pay for. This deduction falls under the SALT or state and local taxes deduction. However, property owners are only allowed to claim as much as $10,000 deduction for the taxes they paid for their property.  

5. Health Savings Account contribution

Those who are making contributions to their Health Savings Account (HSA) can claim a tax deduction based on the payments they made in the previous year. However, this doesn’t apply to those whose employers are the ones who have been paying for their HSA.

Donate a Vehicle and Get a Top Tax Deduction!

If you have a vehicle that you want to dispose of, consider donating it to Goodwill Car Donations. When you do so, you’ll entitle yourself to a top tax deduction in the next tax season while you help the disadvantaged members of your community.

We’ll auction off your donated vehicle and use the proceeds to fund the programs and services of the Goodwill organizations in your local area. These are IRS-approved 501(c)3 nonprofits that provide deserving less fortunate individuals with job training, employment and learning opportunities, livelihood assistance, and other critical community-building support services. These are all meant to equip and empower them so they can take care of themselves and their families as well.

We’ll pick up and tow your vehicle for free. What’s more, you can count on us to provide you with a quick and satisfying donation experience from start to finish.

We accept almost all types of vehicles, including those that need a lot of work.

If you need more information about how everything works in our donation process or about your benefits as a donor, visit our FAQs page. For your questions and concerns, call us at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message online.

Do Something Awesome Today

Photo by Budgeron Bach under Pexels License

The best thing about donating a car to Goodwill Car Donations is that you get to make a massive impact in your community. Support a worthy cause today! Call us at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!