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Car Donation FAQ

Why Donate Your Car to NFCR?

It’s much easier to donate your car than it is to sell it yourself. Plus, you benefit by being able to reduce your taxable income when you itemize your taxes.

Your donation will support NFCR’s cancer research and education programs that are helping to save lives.

Does NFCR Handle Everything for Me?

NFCR has partnered with a company called CARS (Charitable Auto Resources, Inc.) based in San Diego, California. NFCR and CARS have a contractual agreement to process all vehicle donations. CARS is owned and operated by a non–profit social service agency that works with many public broadcasting stations and other non-profit organizations across the country in outsourcing their vehicle donation programs. NFCR screened CARS thoroughly and selected them from among many organizations. They have been chosen because of their expertise, and all calls and issues will ultimately be referred to CARS.

Does NFCR Accept Only Cars for Donation?

Many types of 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 NFCR vehicle donation program toll free at 1-877–500–NFCR (6327).

What does NFCR do with the Donated Vehicles?

The vehicles are sold at a private auction. The funds from vehicle donations are used to support NFCR cancer research and education programs that are helping save millions of lives.

Does My Car Have to be Running to Qualify for Donation?

In some cases we can take your car, running or not. However, it must have an engine and be towable. If you are uncertain as to whether your vehicle will qualify, please call our customer service representative toll free at 1-877–500–NFCR (6327).

What Paperwork Is Needed?

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.).

What If I Lost the Title?

You will need to get a duplicate title and call us when you have received it. We cannot pick up your vehicle if you do not have the title. Contact your state registry of motor vehicles department to obtain your title. Unfortunately neither NFCR nor CARS can help you with this.

What If My Car Won't Pass the State Inspection?

We can accept vehicles without a state inspection sticker or current registration as long as there is clear title.

Do I Need a Smog Certificate In Order to Donate My Car?

No.

What If I Receive Legal Notices Relating to My Vehicle?

In the rare event that you receive any notification of a lien sale, DMV action, or other activity related to your donated vehicle, please contact us at 1-877–500–NFCR (6327) for assistance. In most cases, you'll just need to mail it to CARS.

How Does the New Vehicle Contribution Law Effect My Tax Deduction?

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, if the proceeds from the sale exceed $500, stating the amount of the gross proceeds from the sale of the donated vehicle. 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 receipt at the time of pick–up. This is your final tax receipt unless your vehicle sells for $500 or more. This initial acknowledgement will indicate your name as well as the year, make, model and condition of the car you are donating.

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.

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 your vehicle sold for more than $500. This will be your tax receipt for your charitable contribution.

How is the Value Determined on the Vehicle Donated?

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.

Does the New Law Affect NFCR?

NFCR will report the gross proceeds raised from the sale of the vehicle to the donor and the IRS. NFCR receives a check for the proceeds of your vehicle.

What If My Car is Valued over $5000?

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.

When is the Latest Time I Can Donate a Vehicle to NFCR in 2007 and Still Qualify for a Tax Deduction for 2007?

Vehicle donations committed to NFCR by midnight of December 31, 2006, are considered as donations for 2007, even if the vehicle is picked up and sold in 2008.

How Long Will it Take to Pick Up My Vehicle?

We try to make donating your car as simple and convenient as possible. A towing company will contact you within two to three business days. Call our representatives at 1-877–500–NFCR (6327) or e–mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to set up an appointment.

Do I Have to be With the Vehicle at the Time of Pick–Up?

No. Special arrangements can be made by calling our representative at 1-877–500–NFCR (6327).

Do I Pay for the Towing?

No, there is no charge to you for the towing.

I Donated My Vehicle Several Weeks Ago and have Not Heard What It Sold For. How Can I Find Out?

Call our representatives at 1-877–500–NFCR (6327), and they will inform you where your vehicle is in the selling process. Keep in mind that the entire auction process and paperwork completion could take several weeks. But a phone call to our representatives will provide you with the information you need, especially at tax time.

Start Your Car Donation Today! Call us at 1-877-500-NFCR (6327).