To claim your car donation on this year’s taxes, the IRS goes by the pickup date—not the day you call or fill out the form. Your vehicle must be physically picked up on or before December 31 to count as a donation for this tax year. With Palm Ride Exchange in West Palm Beach, you can complete our secure online form or call in about two minutes, then we coordinate free towing with Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) charity (EIN 58-2164446). We recommend you schedule at least 3–5 business days before December 31 so there’s time to get your pickup on the calendar.
We know year-end in South Florida is busy. Whether you’re in downtown West Palm, El Cid, Flamingo Park, Northwood, or out toward Wellington, Lake Worth Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, or Riviera Beach, pickup is free and easy. Non-running vehicles are welcome—no inspections, no repairs needed. Heritage for the Blind dispatch runs Monday through Saturday throughout the holiday season, so you can donate around your work schedule, travel plans, or visitors. Once your vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment (and IRS Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500), but your deduction year is based on the actual pickup date. Start now and lock in your year-end tax benefit.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesFrom anywhere in West Palm Beach or South Florida, submit Palm Ride Exchange’s quick online form or call us. Have your title (if available), VIN, and address ready. We’ll capture basic vehicle details and confirm you want pickup completed by December 31 for this tax year’s deduction.
Pick your ideal pickup window
5 minutesOur partner Heritage for the Blind schedules free towing Monday–Saturday, even during the holiday season. To safely meet the IRS deadline, we urge you to choose a date at least 3–5 business days before December 31, especially in busy areas like downtown West Palm or Palm Beach Gardens.
Prepare the car for towing
10–15 minutesRemove personal items and license plates if your state requires it, then place the keys and title where the driver can access them. The car doesn’t need to run—no repairs, no cleaning. Towing is free from driveways, condos, and garages throughout West Palm Beach and surrounding communities.
Confirm same-year tax deduction on pickup day
Day of pickupThe IRS counts your donation on the date the vehicle is physically picked up. As long as the tow driver collects your car on or before December 31, your donation counts for this tax year. You’ll receive an initial towing receipt noting the pickup date for your records.
Receive your tax acknowledgment by mail
After vehicle sellsHeritage for the Blind will sell your vehicle and mail your written acknowledgment, including IRS Form 1098-C for vehicles valued over $500. This letter arrives after the sale but confirms the donation year as the pickup year—critical documentation when you file your return and itemize deductions.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Pickup date = donation year
The IRS treats the donation as complete on the day the charity actually takes possession of your vehicle. If your car is picked up on December 31 or earlier, it counts for this tax year—even if you scheduled it or completed the form earlier.
Written acknowledgment required
You must receive a written acknowledgment from Heritage for the Blind for your vehicle donation. This letter confirms key details such as the vehicle, pickup date, and how it was used or sold, and you should keep it with your tax records when filing.
Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500
If your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind will issue IRS Form 1098-C. This form shows the gross proceeds from the sale and usually caps the amount you can deduct. It must be attached to your return when claiming the deduction.
Itemizing on Schedule A
To claim your car donation, you generally need to itemize deductions using Schedule A on your federal return. If you take the standard deduction, you usually can’t also claim a separate charitable deduction for the vehicle, so talk with your tax advisor if you’re unsure.
30-day receipt timing
Heritage for the Blind sends your Form 1098-C or written acknowledgment within IRS-required timeframes after the vehicle is sold or used. This often arrives weeks after pickup—but your deduction year is still the year of pickup, not the date on the acknowledgment.