How To Donate Car In California

Are you ready to donate a car in California? If so, good for you! Donating a car to charity is a wonderful decision on many levels. First of all, your donation goes to help a great cause.  Plus, you get your old vehicle or junk car moved off of your property free of charge. You are also recycling an old vehicle, and you also get to claim the car donation as a tax deduction. 

In this post you'll find some tips on how to donate a car in California and some specific requirements you should be aware of that relate to California car donations.

1. To donate a car in California, you begin by submitting an online car donation form or calling the charity you wish donate your vehicle to.  If you wish to claim the car donation as a tax deduction, be sure to check that the charity is an IRS recognized nonprofit organization.

2. The process for receiving the tax receipt for your charitable donation may vary. Some charities will email you the initial receipt while others have the tow truck provide you with the receipt at the time of pick up. This is just an initial receipt and enables you to claim a tax deduction of up to $500. You should check with the charity to find out what their procedure is for providing you with this receipt when you submit your vehicle donation.

3. In the State of California, the license plates remain with the vehicle, so these should not be removed prior to the pickup.

4. Filing a Release of Liability with the California Department of Motor Vehicles is an important step you do not want to miss when you donate a car.  This document releases you from future liability which may arise for any reason after the vehicle is donated.  In California the procedure for filing a Release of Liability is that you must return the pink portion of the title or DMV form REG 138 to your local Department of Motor Vehicles. Alternatively, you can file your release of liability online at http://www.dmv.ca.gov.

5. If your vehicle sells for more than $500, or if it qualifies for a fair market value tax deduction, you will receive additional tax paperwork after the sale of the vehicle takes place. The amount you will be allowed to deduct on your taxes will vary depending on several factors which could include the price the vehicle is sold for or whether the vehicle is classified as a fair market value car donation.

6. One last point we should mention is that if you plan to claim your car donation tax deduction on your 2012 taxes, you need to make sure you donate the car well before the deadline of December 31, 2012. The charity should have possession of the vehicle before midnight on December 31st, or at least have the pickup well in the works, in order for you to claim your tax deduction in 2012. Don’t wait till the last minute as there could be delays that could result in you being unable to claim the donation as a deduction for the current tax year.

If you have any further questions related to your car donation tax deduction, most charities are relatively knowledgeable about the process and paperwork needed, however, you should consult a CPA or accountant for specifics regarding your particular tax situation.

For additional questions related to car donations in California, you can contact your local DMV or visit the California DMV website for the latest information on state specific requirements. 

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Why you should donate a car

There are some of the older cars that you might just have sitting around the house or up by the garage. If you have a car that you feel is no good to anyone, you may want to think about doing something about them. Keep in mind that these cars don’t have to collect dust. You’ll want to keep in mind that there is a lot of time and energy to fix a broken car. Instead, you may just want to donate the car and get some benefits out it.

When it comes to these donations, you’ll want to keep in mind that these vehicles are worth more than you think. You’ll want to keep in mind that these donations do tend to give you a generous amount of tax deductions just for donating the cars for parts of scrap metal. You’ll find that all you have to do is pick out a charity that is willing to accept your donation. Then all you have to do is fill out some paper work and then the charity will have the car towed. With the towing, it is at no-cost for the owner.

You’ll also find that they will also take care of the title transfer and also you’ll be given a tax deductible receipt that will help you to show proof of the donation when it comes to tax time.

You will find that the benefits are great. You’ll be able to get rid of unwanted and unused cars. You’ll get a tax deduction. Finally, you’ll be helping the community.

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When donate car have your title with you

When donating a car have your title with you

For those who wish to donate their car, you’ll need to bring your title with you so that they can prove that you truly do own the car. This is very important, because if the charity does not ask for proof of possession then they may not be a legitimate organization.

Truly, no charity will take the risk of being caught with a stolen car, so it is very important that you have a copy of the title with you when turning the car in. you’ll need to make sure that all the financial responsibilities have been met, so that the DMV will be able to transfer ownership. You’ll want to make sure that there isn’t a lien against the car, because you’ll need to pay for the lien before you transfer ownership. You’ll find that when you donate a car with a lien against it practically makes the car worthless.

When it comes to donations of this type, you’ll find that it includes things like motorcycles, trailers, boats, trucks, vans, cars, and so on. You’ll be able to sell some of the items that you do not want anymore, including some that don’t even run anymore. Most of the time, they will sell the item for parts or scrap metal. You’ll also want to consider that the organization has a right to deny you, as well. You’ll want to make sure that you offer then a title with the donation so that they can use the donation and find a value. Then you’ll be able to receive a tax break.

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How to choose Donate Car to Charity

How to choose a charity for your car donation

You will find that process of donating a car to a charity happens to be a very easy and clear-cut process. You’ll need to choose the charity or organization and then they will help you feel out all the paper work. You’ll find that they will took information like your name, number, and address

When it comes to the charity, you’ll need to consider that there are times where the donation is arranged over the phone or in person. You’ll need to either drop off the car, or the charity will come and get the car for you. You’ll be able to get a receipt once the car is taken out of your possession.

As for choosing the right charity, you’ll find that it is very important that you meet all your needs before you end up giving the car up for donation. You’ll need to research the organization, but don’t forget, the internet can help you with your donation. You’ll need to look up tons of information and access many sites when you are researching the donation of a car.

You’ll also find that the websites of the organization can help you with your donation process as well. You’ll need to look up the FAQ section of the organization, because that will help you understand your state laws and also it will help you to understand a perspective tax deduction.

It is also important that you find out first if the car will be used by the organization or if they will sell it. This will help you to understand how much you will be able to get back for a tax deduction.

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