A car donation service operates as the middleman between a car donor and a charity, making sure the transaction goes as smoothly as possible. Car donation services handle all of the logistics and the costs associated with the vehicle pick-up and subsequent sale (usually at an auction), so the donation process is very simple for the donor. If an individual or family has an older car (or truck or even a boat) that they were thinking about getting rid of, contacting a charity of choice may be a good option. A needy charity can benefit from a vehicle donation, and there is also a benefit from the tax write-off. There are programs that work on behalf of numerous charities. These programs serve as car donation services in accepting donations and then forwarding monies to participating charities. When contacting a car donation service, ask to see the list of participating charities. Many of these services have this information readily available on Web sites. There are many charities whose missions are worthy, and there is sure to be something that is close to the heart, supporting--from local Alzheimer's Association chapters to local United Way chapters and even some churches or Christian efforts.
These services make it easy to donate a vehicle. Car donation services will generally make the arrangements to have the auto(and the auto's title) picked up by a local towing service. The automobile is then processed. This means taking the automobile to an auction and giving the proceeds to a designated charity. Programs actually fix up the cars and give them to charities for their clients use. Equipping a family with a vehicle can greatly improve their situation. Either way, donors should get a receipt from the service for the vehicle's fair market value. (Donors should also conduct research to determine the vehicle's value first.) Use this receipt when itemizing taxes and filing federal tax returns. "Give, and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over..." (Luke 6:38)
But, knowing which car donation service to select can be difficult. Seekers should conduct a little research and not be afraid to ask questions. Questions about the process and how the vehicle will be sold should be included with an investigation. Check and see if the program is registered with the state in which it resides. If finding information proves difficult, then seekers can also check with the Better Business Bureau. It may also be prudent to ask to see financial records that record where monies are spent. If uncomfortable with any of the answers, find another vehicle donation program to work with. Donating an old car can offer a financial boost to a charity needing operating funds, and a vehicle donation service can help make the transaction easy for both the donor and the charity.
