Miami car donation deadline: schedule by Dec 27, tow by Dec 31

In Miami, your car must be picked up by December 31 to count for this year’s IRS deduction. Call AutoHeart by December 27 to lock in a free, fast pickup with Heritage for the Blind.

The hard IRS deadline is clear: your vehicle has to be picked up by December 31 to qualify for a tax deduction this year. With AutoHeart’s partner Heritage for the Blind, that means you should call or submit our 2-minute form by December 27 to guarantee a December 31 pickup slot in South Florida. We schedule Monday–Saturday year-round, including Christmas week, and in most Miami metro areas we can arrange same-day or next-business-day towing if you contact us before early afternoon. Towing is 100% free, and we accept vehicles in almost any condition—no emissions test, repairs, or inspection needed.

We’re truly local to greater Miami. Whether you’re in Brickell, Downtown, Coral Gables, Kendall, Doral, Hialeah, Miami Shores, North Miami Beach, Aventura, Homestead, or Miami Gardens, our year-end dispatch runs through December 31. All you need is a signed title. From there, AutoHeart and Heritage for the Blind handle everything: quick scheduling, free tow from your driveway, and a tax receipt mailed after sale. Don’t wait until the New Year rush; secure your Miami pickup now so your donation counts for this tax year and supports vital services for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Your year-end donation timeline

1

Start with a 2-minute call or form

2 minutes

In November and December, contact AutoHeart as soon as you’re ready—especially before December 27 in Miami. A quick call or our simple online form captures your car details, location anywhere in South Florida, and your preferred pickup window.

2

Confirm your pickup date before Dec 31

2 minutes

Our scheduling team checks Miami-area tow availability and locks in your pickup, often same-day or next-day on weekday requests made before early afternoon. We run Monday–Saturday, including Christmas week, so we can confirm a firm date on or before December 31.

3

Prepare your signed Florida title

2 minutes

To meet IRS rules, the vehicle must transfer properly. We’ll guide you on where to sign your Florida title and what to have ready—keys if you have them, ID, and access to the vehicle in your driveway, garage, or condo parking space from Brickell to Kendall.

4

Free tow anywhere in greater Miami

30–60 minutes

On pickup day, our licensed tow partner meets you at home or work—whether you’re in Doral, Hialeah, Aventura, or Homestead. Your car can be non-running or damaged. There’s no cost to you for towing, and no need to clean or repair the vehicle.

5

Receive your tax receipt from Heritage for the Blind

Within a few weeks

After auction or sale, Heritage for the Blind mails you a tax acknowledgment, and for qualifying donations an IRS Form 1098-C. This document states the gross sale price, which you’ll use to claim your charitable deduction when you file and itemize.

6

Claim your deduction for this tax year

Tax filing time

Because your vehicle was picked up by December 31, your donation counts for this tax year. When you file, you’ll use your receipt and, if applicable, Form 1098-C to document your deduction on Schedule A if you choose to itemize.

Year-end tax deduction facts

Dec 31 pickup controls which tax year you claim

For the IRS, the donation date is when you transfer the vehicle—practically, that’s your pickup date and signed title. If your car is picked up on or before December 31, you can claim the deduction for that calendar year’s tax return.

Form 1098-C for larger vehicle donations

When a donated vehicle is sold and the gross proceeds exceed the IRS threshold, Heritage for the Blind issues Form 1098-C. This form shows the sale price and must be included with your tax return if you’re claiming a deduction over that amount.

Deduction generally equals the sale price

In most cases, your allowable deduction is the gross sale price of your donated vehicle, not a book-value estimate. The final sale amount appears on your acknowledgment and, when applicable, on IRS Form 1098-C that you receive from Heritage for the Blind.

Receipt typically issued within about 30 days of sale

After your car is towed from your Miami location and sold, Heritage for the Blind mails you a written acknowledgment, and when required, Form 1098-C. This usually happens within weeks of the sale, well ahead of most taxpayers’ filing deadlines.

You must itemize to use the deduction

To benefit from a charitable vehicle donation, you generally need to file Schedule A and itemize deductions instead of taking the standard deduction. A tax professional can help you decide which approach offers the best result for your situation.

FAQ

What is the absolute last day my car can be picked up for this year’s tax deduction in Miami?
The hard IRS cutoff is December 31. Your car must be picked up and the title signed over by that date for your donation to count in this tax year. Because year-end slots fill up around Miami, AutoHeart recommends contacting us by December 27 so we can guarantee a pickup on or before December 31.
Can I schedule a donation the week of Christmas in South Florida?
Yes. AutoHeart’s partner Heritage for the Blind schedules Monday–Saturday, including Christmas week, across the Miami metro area. We typically offer same-day or next-business-day towing for weekday requests made before early afternoon. Calling earlier in the week gives you more choice of pickup times before December 31.
Is scheduling limited near the December 31 deadline?
Pickup capacity is strong, but time slots do tighten as December 31 approaches. We often can still help last-minute donors around Miami, but to avoid disappointment, we urge you to call or complete the form by December 27–28. That timing lets us secure a confirmed tow slot before the New Year.
Does my car need to be running or inspected before I donate?
No. Running or not, we’ll tow it free from your location in Miami, Coral Gables, Kendall, Doral, Hialeah, or anywhere in South Florida. There’s no inspection, emissions test, or repairs required. Just make sure we can access the vehicle and you have your signed Florida title ready at pickup.
What documents do I need ready on pickup day?
You’ll need your Florida vehicle title, signed where we instruct, and your keys if available. Have a photo ID handy and remove personal items from the car. Our driver handles the rest, including the tow and basic paperwork, so the transfer is complete by December 31 for your tax deduction.
When and how do I get my tax receipt for the donation?
After your car is towed and sold, Heritage for the Blind mails you a written acknowledgment and, for qualifying donations, IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price. This documentation generally arrives within weeks of the sale and is what you’ll use when you file and itemize your charitable deduction.
Can I claim the deduction if I donate on December 31 but file my taxes next year?
Yes. If your vehicle is picked up and transferred on or before December 31, the gift counts for that calendar year, even though you file the tax return in the following year. Just keep your acknowledgment and any Form 1098-C with your records when you prepare your return.

Related donation guides

Donate Before Year-End
Donate your car before year-end →
Year-End Tax Deduction
Year-end car donation tax deduction →
Before December 31
Donate your car before December 31 →
December 31 is a hard line—if your Miami pickup happens by then, your car donation can count for this year’s taxes. AutoHeart makes it simple: a 2-minute call or form starts your free tow anywhere in South Florida, running Monday–Saturday right through Christmas week. Contact us by December 27 to lock in your pickup and secure your dollar-500-plus potential tax receipt from Heritage for the Blind. Don’t risk missing the deadline—schedule your year-end car donation in Miami right now.

Related pages

Donate Before Year-End
Donate your car before year-end →
Year-End Tax Deduction
Year-end car donation tax deduction →
Before December 31
Donate your car before December 31 →

Donate in two minutes

Free pickup in Miami. Tax receipt via IRS 1098-C. Takes under 2 minutes.

Your info is secure and never shared. We'll call within 24 hours.

Find Benefits You May Qualify For

Free tool, powered by National Heritage for the Blind. No signup.