Basic Needs Ministry - Car Donations
Donate your car and show your support of Basic Needs Ministry! Trucks too!
Interested in donating your vehicle to an organization you believe in? It's easy to make a contribution that supports Basic Needs Ministry!
Here's how it works:
• Just call Toll-Free 1-877-537-5277 at your convenience to speak to a Basic Needs Ministry Vehicle Donation Representative, or E-mail. Phone is staffed Monday thru Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Eastern time). After hours an automated voice mail answering service records your message and a representative returns the call the following morning.
• After the vehicle is sold at auction, you will receive a confirmation letter. If you provide your Social Security Number at the time of the initial call and the vehicle sells for over $500, you will receive an IRS Form 1098C showing the amount you may claim on your itemized tax return.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What are the benefits of donating my car to Basic Needs Ministry?
You help Basic Needs Ministry provide benefits directly to the needy, when it receives the check after the sale of your vehicle. It provides cash to pay the monthly bills of the clothing warehouse, money for the food pantry, funding to spread the word to more people about the services available, permits expansion of the services provided and service area, and increases community awareness through local events.
You benefit by being able to reduce your taxable income, when your 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?
In some cases we can take your car, running or not. However, it must have an engine and be tow-able. Contact a representative at 1-877-537-5277 to find out 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 1-877-537-5277.
How long will it take to pick up my vehicle?
We make donating your car as simple and convenient as possible. Occasionally in special cases, vehicles can be picked up the same day. Call our representatives at 1-877-537-5277.
Do I have to be with the vehicle at the time of pick-up?
No. Special arrangements can be made by calling our representative.
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].
Do I need a smog certificate in order to donate my car?
For states that require smog certificates or safety inspections, you may donate your vehicle without these documents.
What if I receive legal notices?
In the rare event that you receive any notification of a lien sale, DMV actions or other activity related to your donated vehicle, please contact us at 1-877-537-5277 immediately for assistance.
Tax Questions
How does the tax law effect my tax deduction?
It's easier. 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, stating the amount of the gross proceeds from the sale of the donated vehicle, if they provide their Social Security Number at the time of the initial telephone call and the proceeds from the sale exceed $500. 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.
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 you gave us your Social Security Number at the time of the original call and your vehicle sold for more than $500. This will be your tax receipt for your charitable contribution.
How is the value determined on the donated vehicle?
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 does Basic Needs Ministry report?
Basic Needs Ministry reports the gross proceeds raised from the sale of the vehicle to the donor and IRS, when the vehicle sells for over $500 and a Social Security Number is provided at the original call.
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.
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.