Vehicles for Charity
Donate Your Vehicle to Easterseals Washington
We just finalized our first vehicle donation. The donor's Ford Explorer earned Easterseals Washington $1,650!
It’s easy to donate your vehicle to Easterseals Washington. We’ll arrange a free pick up of your unwanted vehicle and sell it at a local auction. Proceeds will go directly to Easterseals Washington to serve people with disabilities in your area.
Just call 1.866.628.2277 or donate online at vehiclesforcharity.org/Donate/ESW.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of donating my car to Easterseals Washington?
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.
By donating your unwanted vehicle, you also benefit others by helping:
- Provide training and preparation for job interviews which gives individuals an opportunity to gain independence, confidence and to contribute to his or her community.
- Fund developmentally appropriate art and sensory supplies for children with disabilities at our Child Development Centers.
- Provide environmental displays and study guides in our new multi-sensory Nature Learning Center at Camp Stand By Me.
- Offer a weekend of respite for a family caring for a child or adult with disabilities.
- Enable the development of a Behavior Plan for a child at our Olympic Peninsula Autism Center.
- Send a child with a chronic illness or disability to Camp Stand By Me for a week filled with new experiences, the start of lifelong friendships and respite for their parents or caretakers.
Does my car have to be running to donate it?
In most cases we can take your car, running or not. It must, however, have an engine and be tow-able. Contact a representative at 1-866-628-2277 if you have questions about if your vehicle qualifies for pick-up.
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 or not your vehicle is eligible, please contact the vehicle donation program toll free at 1 866-628-2277.
How long will it take to pick up my vehicle?
We make donating your car as simple and convenient as possible. A tow company will contact you within two to three business days.
Do I have to be with the vehicle at the time of pick-up?
No. Special arrangements can be made when you donate your vehicle.
What paperwork do I need?
The only paperwork needed is a signed, clear title. Have your title with you when you call-in your donation. [Please note: a clear title indicates the title is in the name of the donor without a lien].
Tax Questions
How does the new law 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, our driver will issue a tow receipt at the time of pick-up. This is not your final tax receipt unless the sale of your vehicle does not exceed $500. This initial acknowledgement will indicate your name as well as the year, make, model and condition of the car you are donating. It will be your only receipt if your vehicle sells for less than $500.
What can I claim as a deduction?
According to the tax law effective January 1, 2005, if the claimed value of the donated vehicle exceeds $500, the taxpayer is limited to the gross proceeds of the sale.
An IRS Form 1098-C, “Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes” will be mailed to you within 30 days of the sale stating the amount of gross proceeds received from your car, provided your vehicle sold for more than $500 and you have submitted your social security number. This will be your tax receipt for your charitable contribution.
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 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.
