Car Donation Tax

Car donations tax benefits are the main reason most people donate their cars instead of selling them or trading them in for another automobile. Currently the car donation tax benefit is available only to those that itemize on their federal income taxes. Determining the exact car donations tax benefit depends on the organization chosen and what they do with the car. Some organizations auction the auto to the highest bidder, while others give them away to people who otherwise could not afford a vehicle to get to and from their place of employment. Most of these sites are non-profit, 501(c)(3) organizations. According to IRS law, an individual can only use the deduction benefit if their gift is to a section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. These organizations are legally allowed to receive and distribute vehicles for the purpose of raising funds. Car donations tax benefits are only available if a gift of a vehicle is made to a charity that has complete control and discretion over the disposition or use of the vehicle. Charities that outsource their fundraising departments are therefore ineligible to grant a car donation tax benefit. Be sure to find out exactly how much control the charity has over the distribution of cars received before donating.
In order to actually receive benefits, a donor must receive written acknowledgement of the contribution from the charity. The car donation tax information can be on paper, in email, or facsimile form. The donor then must be itemizing for that year and file Form 8283, noncash charitable contributions, to report information about all noncash contributions if donations exceed $500 during any given year. If the car donation tax benefit is below $500 and there are no other noncash donations to any other charities, then no form must be filed. Beyond a tax exemption benefit, giving to a charity is a Biblical mandate. "I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said 'It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35)
The United States government has passed a new law as of January 1st, 2005 that states; if donors donate vehicles to a non-profit organization that auctions the autos, the car donations tax benefit can only be the amount the car was actually auctioned for with a $500 minimum taxable deductions to the donor. Otherwise, if a charity gives the vehicle to a family in need, a full market value benefit can be received by the donor. If donors have any other questions or would like assistance in filing taxes, they should not hesitate to contact the IRS. The IRS can be accessed via the web or by telephone. If donors are looking for information from individual states, they will have to contact the State Treasury Department to get the specifics on laws regarding the law on specific deductions in their home state.

Car Donation Service

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.

Donate Bibles

Anyone who wants to donate Bibles can be a part of the Great Commission to spread God's love to the entire world. Jesus told His people, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to all creation" (Mark 16:15). There is no better way to do that than to give to donate Bible programs that help spread God's Word throughout the world. Here in the United States, people do not see or suffer the persecution that many Christians do in other parts of the world. In order for Christians to be prepared to lead others to God, many organizations and churches must provide Bibles to them. To help share God's word with those living in spiritual darkness, there are organizations that will offer services free of charge. Some organizations ask for financial donations so that they can donate Bible literature throughout the world. Others will accept donations regardless of the condition or version of the Bible. The hunger for God throughout the world is so strong that many are needed to help donate Bibles in order to further the Kingdom of God.
Getting involved in donating God's Word to others is as easy as taking used or new copies to a local collection center or church. In many programs, a person can donate Bibles to be delivered by missionaries to those in other countries. To donate Bible literature, a visit to the many online sites can direct an individual to the site of their choice. Many of the organizations that will provide these services charge a small fee for this work. One Christian site just asks for a person's desire to make donations. The individual must simply click on the spot and a Bible is donated, with no cost whatsoever.
Many people want to help share the word of God, but just don't know how. To donate Bibles or literature is the perfect solution. It takes very little effort, little or no money, and the reward for the individual will be knowing they have participated in spreading God's word. Getting involved is easy, especially with the organizations that donate Bible literature here in America, like the Gideon Organization. As a Christian, it is important to understand the need for the Word of God to be available to people throughout the world, whether by donating Bibles or money to this cause. "Freely we have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8)

Benevolence

Benevolence is defined as the disposition to do good; good will; charitableness; love of mankind accompanied with the desire to promote man's happiness. Church benevolence is no different; in fact, this characteristic should exude from the members of the church (followers of Christ) on a daily basis wherever they go. The church is a collection of followers of Christ that hold dear the beliefs and commandments He taught as an example of the way to live according to God. To be benevolent is an outward action of following in Christ's footsteps. This characteristic itself is the action of doing good deeds for one another on a regular basis. In times past the word and especially church benevolence were meant to include the good things a church (as a body of believers in one location) could do to help those in their community and surrounding areas. Examples would include opening soup kitchens for the hungry, offering shelter for the homeless, donating Christmas presents for those that would not otherwise be able to celebrate Christmas (with gifts) for their children. Benevolence funds are raised, sometimes separately on a monthly basis, to finance these community good deeds. "He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression" (Job 36:15).
People have always felt that when they were in need, they could come to the local church for help. Now, churches are starting to feel the pinch of a wavering economy and can no longer afford to help the entire community without first helping those within their congregation. Many skeptics feel that the church is here to help everyone, but the Bible speaks a different truth. The church was established not to save the lost, but to encourage and edify the believers. In times of old, Christians had nowhere to turn for support and assurance of their faith.
Persecution of Christians was happening in many places, and it was dangerous to have faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Christians needed church benevolence to help each other. Today, some churches have been blessed enough to offer outside benevolence to non believers, to promote missions trips to spread God's word, and to create shelters and soup kitchens, etc. It should be noted however, that benevolence in it's truest form, should first be bestowed upon members of God's family for edification of the church and encouragement to continue to use it to spread the word of God through fruits in everyday life situations.

2013 Audi Allroad (Photos only)

2013 Audi Allroad

Engine:Turbo 2.0L I4
Power:211 HP / 258 LB-FT
Transmission:8-Speed Auto
0-60 Time:6.5 Seconds
Top Speed:130 MPH
Drivetrain:All-Wheel Drive
Curb Weight:3,891 LBS
Seating:2+3
MPG:20 City / 27 HWY
Base Price:$39,600

As-Tested Price:$43,795

2013 Nissan Maxima

2013 Nissan Maxima

Starting MSRP $31,000–$33,240

MPG City: 19 Highway: 26

Available Engines

290-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 (premium)

Transmissions

2-speed CVT w/OD and auto-manual

Vehicle Overview

The Maxima is offered in two trim levels, 3.5 S and 3.5 SV, both of which have a 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine. The five-seat Maxima serves as Nissan's flagship sedan and competes with cars like the Dodge Charger and Ford Taurus.

New for 2013

A number of new option packages are offered. There's an SV Value Package that includes a Bose stereo, satellite radio, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and heated side mirrors. A Bose Audio Package includes just the stereo and satellite radio. The Sport Package, meanwhile, gains a 7-inch color screen with a backup camera, USB and iPod inputs, a climate-controlled driver's seat, and a dark-silver finish for the 19-inch alloy wheels. 

2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 5

2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 5

Base Price     $60,950
Drivetrain     Rear Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs)     4365
City (MPG)     23
Hwy (MPG)     30
Horsepower     335@5800
Torque (lb-ft)     300@1300-5000
Wheelbase     116.9
Length (in.)     193.1
Width (in.)     73.2
Height (in.)     57.6


The ActiveHybrid 5 is a puzzling vehicle. Based on BMW's 535i midsize luxury sedan, the ActiveHybrid 5 adds a costly gas-electric powertrain but offers barely any fuel economy or performance benefits.
To create the ActiveHybrid 5, BMW took the 300 horsepower, 300 lb-ft of torque 3.0-liter TwinPower turbocharged inline-six cylinder from the 535, along with its eight-speed automatic transmission and then added a 55 horsepower, 155 lb-ft or torque electric drive system. The result is a combined peak 335 horsepower (hybrids requite some fuzzy math) and the ability to drive up to 37 miles per hour on electric power alone. The electric power for the motor is provided from a lithium-ion battery with 96 cells and a usable capacity of 675 watt hours. BMW says the ActiveHybrid used both a 14.6 volt power supply and a 317 volt supply, with the two systems linked together through a voltage transformer.

2013 Acura ILX

2013 Acura ILX

Base Price     $25,900
Drivetrain     Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs)     2910
City (MPG)     24
Hwy (MPG)     35
Horsepower     150@6500
Torque (lb-ft)     140@4300
Wheelbase     105.1
Length (in.)     179.1
Width (in.)     70.6
Height (in.)     55.6





The Acura ILX is an entry-level compact luxury sedan intended to serve as a gateway car to draw in Generation Y buyers looking to move up to a premium brand. Though based on the Honda Civic, the ILX distances itself from its plebeian roots with distinct styling, additional tech and convenience features and a more coddling cabin.
The ILX's front end is unmistakably an Acura design, though the controversial "beak" grille is more gracefully incorporated than in some of the brand's other vehicles. The sides of the ILX feature a pair of eye-catching character lines: one runs relatively straight from the front headlight to the back of the rear window, while the other starts aft of the front wheel and sweeps up to create a "hip" above the rear wheel were the two meet. Around back, the taillights are reminiscent of the units on the brand's crossover vehicles.