Anyone ever donated a car or rv or ??

[yoopermom]

We're thinking about donating our motorhome, but the websites that come up with a general search are rather overwhelming. I know the tax situation isn't the best anymore (it has to be sold by them in order for the donator to claim more than $500), but we're willing to do it, if we can find a reputable company that will actually HELP a charity with the $$.

Anyone?

TIA!
Terri

 

[Linzybrooke]

My sister donated her car to her church. They use it to help families in need by providing transportation, and they have a few mechanics at the church that help families with car repairs and use her old car as the "loaner". She said it was very easy, and all the tax information was provided to her by the church.

 

[yoopermom]

I'm going to start calling around to local places tomorrow, but I'm worried since I know we can't claim more than $500 unless they sell it. Good idea, thanks!

Terri

 

[tayandjensmom]

DH and I donated a car about 5 maybe 6 years ago. I know the tax laws have changed since then. We called Goodwill and they were more then willing to welcome the vehicle. It was then resold by them. Lisa

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I'm going to start calling around to local places tomorrow, but I'm worried since I know we can't claim more than $500 unless they sell it. Good idea, thanks!

Terri

This is not correct.

There are two possibilities related to donated vehicles under the Internal Revenue Code.

One is that the vehicle is sold within 30 days of the donation, usually at an auto auction or by other methods. In this situation all you are allowed to claim is the exact amount that was received by the charity. Since most charities actually use an outside service that accepts the vehicles and does everything this is the most common situation.

The other is if the charity actually uses the vehicle for program or administrative purposes; in that situation you are entitled to deduct the Fair Market Value.

A subset of method two is there are some charities which will accept fairly new vehicles (less than five years old and in good condition), fix them up, and sell them at a bargain price to a person who needs reliable transportation and who is referred to them by a social services agency. (I know of one in the DC area that states after one year their average recipient's income was up over $8,500 because they could get and maintain better employment). In this situation you are also entitled to deduct FMV.

Mike (CPA)

 

[KNJWDW]

Years ago we donated our car to the Rawhide Boys Ranch. I see that you are in the UP. Rawhide is in Wisconsin, but they have locations all over the state for drop offs. Maybe there is one in northern Wisconsin. It is definitely a reputable charity. It was founded by Bart Star a long time ago.


Amy