car donations?

Jeff Dreger · Post by **Jeff Dreger** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 7:32 pm

I'd like to donate my old car... any suggestions? I know I've heard a bunch of different ads, but right now I'm drawing a blank. I'd prefer to find one that doesn't use a middleman and is local.

dl meckes · Post by **dl meckes** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 8:14 pm

We've called Volunteers of America in the past...

Jennifer Desilets · Post by **Jennifer Desilets** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 8:42 pm

We donated to the Wayside group. They operate group homes for MRDD, teen moms and battered women.

I can't advocate for Wayside vs. Volunteers of America because they are both tremendous organizations. The VOA has a contract with the VA to take in homeless vets, and provide them with substance abuse rehab and vocational training.

Donating you old car is a generous, either way, you will be helping your community.

Jennifer

Jennifer Desilets · Post by **Jennifer Desilets** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 8:46 pm

Jeff,

Forgot to mention that neither Wayside nor the VOA use a middleman. They come pick up the car and leave you with a blank form form you to fill in for your taxes.

Jennifer

c. dawson · Post by **c. dawson** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 12:36 pm

Just be careful ... IRS rules regarding donations like these have tightened in the last few years. You'll be fairly safe if you get an independent appraisal as to your car's value. A good charity will NOT make a value estimation on your car, as they are the beneficiary of it and do not want to jeopardize their non-profit status. You could always self-evaluate, but the IRS tends to scrutinize those a bit more.

dl meckes · Post by **dl meckes** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 2:14 pm

IRS Guidelines:

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4303.pdf