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Car Donation.
Tax Deduction.
IRS-approved write-off.

A program of Fainting Goat Foundation · 501(c)(3) · Gainesville, GA

Vehicle donation is one of the cleanest tax write-offs in the IRS book. We're a real 501(c)(3), we issue Form 1098-C after the sale, and your accountant can use it on next year's return.

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Donor handing over keys for a tax-deductible donation

IRS-approved 501(c)(3). Maximum deduction every time.

Every donation funds programs for kids and families — donations welcomed from all 50 states — backpacks, weekend food bags, tutoring hours, and winter help for families who need it.

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Running or Not
IRS Form 1098-C
501(c)(3) Charity

How the car-donation deduction actually works

The IRS rule (Publication 4303): for a donated vehicle that sells for more than $500, your charitable deduction equals the gross sale price the charity receives — not the Kelley Blue Book value, not what you paid, not what you think it's worth. The charity reports this number to you and the IRS on Form 1098-C within 30 days of the sale.

If the vehicle sells for $500 or less, you can claim its fair market value (capped at $500) without further documentation. This is the practical floor for most older or non-running donations — a meaningful deduction with no extra paperwork. You must itemize deductions on Schedule A to claim either path.

What you'll need at tax time

Form 1098-C from the charity (we send this within 30 days of sale, by email or mail). For deductions over $500 you attach Copy B of Form 1098-C to your tax return. For deductions over $5,000 you also file Form 8283 Section B with the appraisal data the charity provides.

Donors who itemize at federal levels above the standard deduction ($14,600 single / $29,200 married filing jointly in 2024) see real tax savings. At the 22% bracket a $3,000 vehicle deduction is $660 in federal tax savings, plus state tax. The deduction is taken in the tax year you transfer the title (signed the title to the charity), not the year the vehicle sells.

Common questions

What if I take the standard deduction — do I still benefit?
The vehicle deduction is only useful if you itemize. If your total itemized deductions (mortgage interest, state and local taxes, charitable giving, etc.) exceed the standard deduction for your filing status, itemizing makes sense and the vehicle deduction adds to that total.
When does the deduction get claimed?
In the tax year you signed the title to the charity — even if the vehicle sells the following year. The 1098-C may come the following year; your accountant works with both dates.
Can I deduct the value of my time, gas, or other costs?
No — only the IRS-recognized vehicle deduction (sale price or FMV-up-to-$500). Out-of-pocket expenses directly tied to a separate charitable activity may be deductible, but those are tracked separately.
Do you provide an appraisal for deductions over $5,000?
For straight donations, the deduction is the sale price, not an appraised value — no separate appraisal is required. The 1098-C and Form 8283 documentation we provide is sufficient. For consignment of higher-value vehicles, an appraisal may be relevant; ask during intake.

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