To claim your car donation on this year’s taxes, the IRS goes by the date your vehicle is actually picked up—not the date you schedule or sign the title. That means your car must be towed away on or before December 31 to count for this tax year. With AutoHeart’s partner Heritage for the Blind, pickup is free in South Florida, but year‑end time slots go fast. We strongly recommend you schedule 3–5 business days before December 31 so we can guarantee a pickup this year.
AutoHeart serves donors across Miami and South Florida—from Brickell, Downtown, Wynwood, and Little Havana to Kendall, Doral, Hialeah, North Miami, Aventura, Miami Beach, and Homestead. Heritage for the Blind dispatches tow trucks Monday through Saturday, even during the holiday season, and accepts most vehicles, including non‑running cars, no inspection or repairs needed. In just a quick call or a 2‑minute online form, you can lock in your pickup, support vital services for people who are blind or visually impaired, and position yourself for a valuable IRS tax deduction this year.
Your year-end donation timeline
Step 1 – Call or complete the 2-minute Miami donation form
2 minutesShare your contact info, vehicle details, and where the car is located in Miami or greater South Florida. Tell us you need pickup before December 31 for this year’s deduction so we prioritize your year-end slot.
Step 2 – Choose your pickup day before December 31
5 minutesOur Heritage for the Blind team confirms a tow date that works for you, Monday–Saturday. To be safe, schedule pickup at least 3–5 business days before December 31 so we can get your vehicle off your driveway this tax year.
Step 3 – Prepare your title and clear access for the tow truck
10–15 minutesWe’ll explain how to sign your Florida title and what to do if it’s lost. Make sure the tow truck can reach your vehicle in Miami—whether it’s in a condo garage in Brickell or a driveway in Kendall. Non-running cars are fine.
Step 4 – Vehicle is picked up: your deduction year is locked
15–30 minutesOn pickup day, the driver collects your signed title and tows the car at no cost. The IRS counts the pickup date as your official donation date—so a December 31 pickup means the deduction applies to this tax year.
Step 5 – Receive your written tax acknowledgment by mail
After vehicle sellsAfter your vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind mails you a written acknowledgment—and IRS Form 1098‑C if the gross proceeds are over $500. Even if this arrives later, your deduction year remains the actual pickup year.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 pickup = this year’s deduction
For the IRS, the donation date is when your vehicle is physically picked up, not when you call. If the tow happens on or before December 31, the deduction applies to that tax year, even if the sale happens later.
Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500
If Heritage for the Blind sells your vehicle for more than $500, they will issue IRS Form 1098‑C. This form shows the gross proceeds and is used to document your deduction when you file your federal income tax return.
Deduction usually equals sale price
In most cases, your deductible amount is the vehicle’s gross sale price shown on the acknowledgment or Form 1098‑C. You’ll generally claim this as a charitable contribution if you itemize on Schedule A of your tax return.
Written acknowledgment required for $250+
For donations of $250 or more, the IRS requires a written acknowledgment from the charity. Heritage for the Blind mails this after your car sells, typically within about 30 days of the sale, for you to keep with your tax records.
Itemizing with Schedule A
To use your car donation as a federal tax deduction, you generally must itemize deductions using Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Consult your tax advisor about whether itemizing benefits you this year.