Donor FAQ’s

Why I should consider donating my vehicle to my favorite charity?

Donating a vehicle is as easy as 1...2...3… Your favorite charity receives needed funding, you could receive a tax deduction, and you get to avoid the expense and hassle of repairing or selling a vehicle you no longer need. It is a win-win for both you and your favorite charity!

 

Who is the Vehicle Donation Station?

The Vehicle Donation Station was founded by two industry veterans who after working for the largest vehicle donation program in the country for several years, saw the need for an alternative vehicle donation program.

The Vehicle Donation Station is a turn-key vehicle donation program and is selected by charities to support a unique fundraising opportunity. VDS allos the charity to concentrate its time and talents on its mission.

 

What vehicles are accepted?

Most all vehicles are accepted running or not. We accept cars, trucks, commercial vehicles, boats, RV’s, motorcycles, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, and ATV’s to name a few. We accept vehicles nationwide with only the rare exception where the transportation costs would exceed the vehicle’s value.

 

Will I have to pay?

NO, there is never a cost to the donor or the charity. All related expenses are deducted from the proceeds of the vehicle’s sale.

 

Tax Deduction info for Car Donations - Please remember that everyone’s tax situation is different, so consult with your tax professional to determine how you can benefit.

 

#1: Verify that the Charity you choose is an IRS registered Non-profit.

If you want to claim a deduction for donating a car to charity, then you should verify that the charity is a qualified 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Otherwise, your donation will not be tax deductible.

 

#2: You can claim the gross sale value for vehicles that ultimately sell for greater than $500, and up to $500 for vehicles that sell for less than $500. For greater than $500, the IRS allows a donor to claim the gross sale value of your donated vehicle. If your vehicle donation is an end of life car, you can still receive the minimum deduction of up to $500.

 

#3: We provide all necessary tax deduction receipts and IRS forms.

The Vehicle Donation Station provides a written acknowledgement of your vehicle donation as soon as your vehicle is picked up. If your donated vehicle qualifies for a deduction of more than $500, we will mail you an additional receipt as soon as the vehicle is sold so that you can claim the maximum deduction for your vehicle.

 

When does my liability end and can I remove insurance?

You will no longer be liable for the vehicle when it leaves your property. At this point you are free to cancel any insurance policy that may be on the vehicle.

 

How does the vehicle title process work?

The title process will vary depending on where your vehicle is located. When you’re contacted to schedule the pickup of the vehicle, our representatives will walk you through the entire title transfer process and answer any questions you may have.

 

Will I get a receipt when the vehicle is picked up? What will happen to my vehicle?

Your vehicle is assessed to determine the used vehicle market that will yield the best sale price, joining some forty-three million other vehicles re-sold each year. Most vehicles are sold through wholesale auctions, older, damaged, and problem vehicles are often sold directly to dismantlers or recyclers for valuable part and metals. Because we work with a very large national network of auction yards, we match your vehicle to the appropriate buyer.

 

How much of my donated vehicle benefits my charity?

The charity you designate will receive up to 70% of the net proceeds of the donated vehicle. The net proceeds is the gross sale price less the normal expenses of vehicle donations including auction fees, pick-up and transportation costs, title fees, and occasionally storage fees.

As the Vehicle Donation Station grows it is the goal of our program to be able to provide 85-90% of the net proceeds to further the mission of your charity.

 

What are the benefits of donating my vehicle to my favorite charity?

It’s simple, fun and free. We convert the vehicle into cash, which becomes a welcome donation to your favorite charity. You may be entitled to a tax deduction, and you avoid the cost and hassle of repairing or selling a vehicle you no longer need.

 

What if I have title issues?

If you don’t have a title certificate, can’t find it, or have problems with your title, no problem. When you receive our call to schedule the pickup, let our representative know about your title questions. Our call center staff deals with DMV’s across the country every day and are experts in solving these matters.

 

How much work is it for me?

It’s easy to donate a vehicle. You will receive a call from our tow service to arrange a convenient time and location for the pick-up. You do not need to be there.

 

How long until my vehicle is picked up?

We typically pickup vehicles within 24-48 hours of scheduling your vehicle. You will receive a call from our partner who will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding the pickup and will arrange a time for pickup. The nice thing about our pickup service, is that you are not required to be there.

 

How long before the charity is funded?

It usually takes 45-60 days from the time the vehicle is picked up until the vehicle is sold and the transaction is completed. After disposition, the net proceeds are typically sent to your charity within two weeks.