In Richmond, the hard IRS deadline for a car donation tax deduction is clear: your vehicle must be picked up by December 31. With RevUp Richmond, operated in support of Heritage for the Blind, pickups run Monday–Saturday all year – including the week between Christmas and New Year’s. In most Richmond Metro areas, if you contact us before early afternoon on a weekday, we can schedule a same-day or next-day tow. To safely lock in a December 31 slot, plan to call or submit the 2‑minute form by December 27. Pickup is always free, and we can accept your car whether it runs or not, as long as you have a signed title.
We know Richmond year-end gets hectic – from shopping in Short Pump and Willow Lawn to family gatherings in Church Hill, the Fan, and Midlothian. That’s why our local towing partners cover the entire Richmond Metro area, including Henrico, Chesterfield, Mechanicsville, Ashland, Petersburg, and Hopewell. You get fast, no-hassle removal, a tax receipt for $500+ potential deduction, and your donation helps Heritage for the Blind provide services to people who are blind or visually impaired. If you’re looking at the calendar wondering, “Can I still donate my car for a tax break this year?” the answer is yes – as long as your Richmond pickup happens by December 31. Start now so you don’t miss it.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your Richmond donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesCall RevUp Richmond or complete our quick online form with your contact info, vehicle location, and basic car details. It truly takes about two minutes. No photos or inspection are required, and non-running vehicles anywhere in the Richmond Metro area are welcome.
Lock in your year-end pickup date
5 minutesOur team confirms your preferred pickup window and connects you with a local tow provider. Call or submit by December 27–28 to guarantee a December 31 slot in most Richmond neighborhoods. We schedule Monday–Saturday, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s.
Sign your Virginia title before tow arrives
5–10 minutesTo meet IRS rules, you must have a properly signed Virginia title at pickup. We’ll give simple, state-specific instructions so you can sign it correctly in advance. No emissions test, repairs, or inspection are required – just the signed title and keys if you have them.
Free tow anywhere in Richmond Metro
15–30 minutes at pickupYour driver arrives at the scheduled time, from Downtown and Scott’s Addition to Chester, Glen Allen, and beyond. Towing is always free, even if your car doesn’t start or has body damage. Once loaded, your donation is locked in for this tax year if pickup is on or before December 31.
Receive your tax receipt and claim deduction
Within 30 days of saleHeritage for the Blind will mail you a written acknowledgment and, for qualifying donations, IRS Form 1098‑C within the timeframe required by law. You’ll use this to support your federal income tax deduction when you file and itemize on Schedule A.
Year-end tax deduction facts
December 31 controls your tax year
For car donations, the IRS uses the date of transfer – when the charity takes possession – not the date you call. If your vehicle is picked up on or before December 31, it can count toward that tax year’s deduction.
What your deduction is based on
In most cases, your deductible amount is based on the gross sale price the charity receives for your vehicle, not a price guide estimate. Heritage for the Blind will report that sale price to you on your receipt and, when required, on IRS Form 1098‑C.
IRS Form 1098-C for larger deductions
If your car sells for more than $500, the charity issues IRS Form 1098‑C (or equivalent statement). You use that form to document the sale price and attach it to your federal tax return when claiming your vehicle donation deduction.
You must itemize on Schedule A
To benefit from a federal tax deduction for your car donation, you generally need to itemize deductions on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. A tax professional can help you decide which option is better for your situation.
30-day receipt requirement
By law, the charity must send you a written acknowledgment – and Form 1098‑C when required – within 30 days of the vehicle’s sale or transfer of significant use. Keep this with your records to substantiate your deduction if the IRS ever asks.