Start by identifying the legal charity, checking ownership and liens, and getting clear instructions. A form submission is a request—not an ownership transfer, guaranteed acceptance, or guaranteed tax deduction.
Verify the legal recipient
Ask for the legal name and EIN that will appear on the acknowledgment. Search that information in the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search. Cars Helping Kids is a program of Fainting Goat Foundation Co Inc, EIN 99-0472123.
Gather the vehicle facts
Have the VIN, year, make, model, condition, exact location, keys, title, registered-owner information, and lien status. If the title is missing, inherited, jointly owned, out of state, or still shows a lien, disclose that before scheduling. Rules vary by state and situation.
Get acceptance and pickup instructions
Confirm whether the vehicle is accepted, whether pickup is free in the exact location, who will call, and how to handle access, keys, plates, and title signatures. Do not sign a blank title or leave ownership documents in an unsecured vehicle.
Document the handoff and state transfer
Record the pickup date, vehicle, recipient, and driver or transport company. Keep the initial acknowledgment. Complete your state's seller or donor responsibilities, which can include ownership transfer, registration cancellation, plate handling, release of liability, or notice to the motor-vehicle agency.
Keep the federal tax documents
If a qualified vehicle is claimed above $500, the charity generally must furnish a timely written acknowledgment containing Form 1098-C information. When an arm's-length sale is reported, the federal deduction is generally limited to gross proceeds. Form 8283 and appraisal rules may also apply. Read the full source-backed tax guide.
Before the truck leaves
- Photograph the vehicle, odometer, VIN, title assignment, and pickup condition.
- Remove personal property, toll tags, garage remotes, insurance cards, and sensitive papers.
- Ask what to do with the plate; do not assume one state's rule applies in another.
- Keep the reference number and every email or text.
- Do not cancel insurance until you understand the state's registration and liability process.
What Cars Helping Kids needs
Use the donation request form or call 770-871-9422. We review the vehicle, title situation, location, and towing availability before confirming acceptance. Pickup is at no charge for accepted donations.
Primary sources
IRS vehicle-donation guidance
IRS Instructions for Form 1098-C
IRS Form 8283 and current instructions
Last materially reviewed July 17, 2026. General information only; state and tax requirements depend on the facts.