Give the Gift of Independence
Vehicle donations give the gift of independence. If your vehicle is no longer of use to you, it can still go a long way towards supporting older adults in our community. Neighbor Ride’s new vehicle donation program is easy and secure.
The Right Decision for Us!
“After considering the pros and cons of all the options, we decided to donate our car, which we were no longer using, to Neighbor Ride. Knowing that Neighbor Ride set up its vehicle donation program to ensure the maximum return, and also to benefit another not-for-profit organization, helped us make the decision. The entire process worked very smoothly and was completed in about a day! The online form was easy to assemble. Within an hour of submitting the form, we received additional information about the title transfer and a call from the towing company to schedule the pick-up for the following day, if convenient for us. The next morning, the driver called to let us know he would arrive in about 45 minutes. Our car was on a flatbed truck and on its way before noon. At every step, we were treated in a professional manner. We were very impressed that the donation was addressed so quickly and were happy to be treated with such courtesy and respect. Although we don’t yet know the outcome of the auction, we do know that whatever amount our vehicle donation raises will be put to excellent use by Neighbor Ride. We feel that this truly was the right decision for us!”
Donate your Vehicle in Three Easy Steps!
Step Two
SCHEDULE PICKUP
Schedule your fast, free vehicle pickup at a time and place convenient for you.
Step Three
RECEIVE TAX DEDUCTION
Receive your IRS tax-deductible receipt and save on taxes when you donate your vehicle to Neighbor Ride!
Review Our Vehicle Donation FAQs
What are the benefits of donating my car to Neighbor Ride?
Neighbor Ride benefits by receiving a cash donation from the sale of your donated vehicle that helps fund new and existing programs serving older adults in Howard County.
You benefit by being able to reduce your taxable income when taxes are itemized. Plus, you avoid the costs associated with selling your car. No need to pay for advertising, no loss of privacy and possible security risk, and no need to pay for vehicle registration, insurance, and repairs to keep your car in running condition while you wait for a buyer.
Does my car have to be running to donate it?
We accept vehicles regardless of age or condition! However, it must have an engine and be towable.
Do you only accept cars for donation?
Many types of motor vehicles are accepted including boats, motorcycles, trucks, and cars. If you are uncertain as to whether your vehicle is eligible, please call 866-829-2918.
How long does it take to arrange the donation?
We make donating your car as simple and convenient as possible. You can donate seven days a week, 24 hours a day. It is as easy as filling out the online donation form. Alternatively, you can call 866-829-2918 to make your donation over the phone.
Do I have to be with the vehicle at the time of pick-up?
No. Special arrangements can be made by calling 866-829-2918. If you choose not to be present at the time of pick-up, you must let the towing company know where to locate your vehicle keys and title.
What paperwork do I need?
To donate, we will need proof of ownership. We’ll need your vehicle’s signed title that’s free of all liens. Kindly include the original lien release if a lien is listed on the front of the title. If you’ve lost or misplaced your title, you can call (866) 829-2918 to have one of our Title Experts assist you in securing a duplicate title from the local motor vehicle department.
Do I need to remove my license plates?
If your car is registered in Maryland, the license plates of your donated vehicle should be removed before the pick-up and then returned to the MVA (unless you are transferring the plates to another vehicle). Remember to save your receipt from the MVA when you return your plates and to cancel insurance coverage on the vehicle ONLY AFTER the plates are returned or transferred to the new vehicle. NOTE: These laws vary by state. If you live outside of Maryland, please refer to the DMV in your state for clear instructions.
How do current laws affect my tax deduction?
Donors are no longer responsible for determining the deductible value of their donation. Instead, they will receive IRS Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes if the proceeds from the sale exceed $500, stating the amount of the gross proceeds from the sale of the donated vehicle. The amount listed on IRS Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes will be the gross proceeds of the deductible donation.
Will I get a tax receipt for my donation?
Yes, the driver will issue a receipt at the time of pickup. This initial acknowledgement will indicate your name as well as the year, make, model and condition of the car you are donating. This is not your final tax receipt, but an acknowledgment of the pick-up of your vehicle. Please note that in some cases — depending upon the location from which your vehicle was picked up — you may not receive a towing receipt.
After the sale of your vehicle, you will receive a thank you letter from Neighbor Ride acknowledging your donated vehicle.
If your vehicle sold for less than $500, this letter or your 1098-C form will serve as your official acknowledgment. As the donor, you may make your best determination of the amount you wish to deduct for tax purposes, based on mileage, condition, etc., up to but not meeting or exceeding $500.
If your vehicle sold for $500 or greater at auction and you have provided your social security number, you will receive an IRS Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes and a Neighbor Ride acknowledgment letter, stating the amount of gross proceeds received from your car in Box 4C. This form will indicate the amount allowable for tax deduction purposes.
If your IRS Form 1098-C has Box 7 checked, you will be limited to a deduction of $500, even if your gross proceeds exceed the $500 threshold. The most common reason for this Box being checked is failure to provide your Social Security Number or estate tax I.D. number to our vehicle donation agency at the time of your donation. If you do not intend to deduct the vehicle donation on your tax return, no further action is necessary. If you wish to deduct the gross proceeds for the sale of your vehicle, please contact us at 866-829-2918, provide your SSN, and an amended Form 1098-C will be issued.
How is the value determined on the vehicle donated?
The value is determined by the gross proceeds raised from the sale of the donated vehicle. You no longer have the burden of determining the value yourself.
What can I claim as a deduction?
If the claimed value of the donated vehicle exceeds $500, the taxpayer is limited to the gross proceeds of the sale.
What if my car is valued over $5,000?
Effective January 1, 2005, you are no longer required to have vehicles appraised. The value you may claim will be the amount of gross proceeds received from your vehicle.
Are there IRS Documents that provide further guidance regarding deducting my vehicle donation?
Yes. See IRS Publication 4303 – A Donor’s Guide to Vehicle Donation for more information.