To claim your car donation on this year’s taxes, the IRS goes by the date your vehicle is actually picked up — not the day you call or submit the form. That means your car must be physically towed away on or before December 31 to qualify for this tax year. In Richmond Metro, RevUp Richmond works with Heritage for the Blind to schedule free, fast pickups Monday through Saturday. To be safe, plan to schedule your donation at least 3–5 business days before December 31 so we can secure your spot on the tow schedule.
Whether you’re in the Fan, Church Hill, Short Pump, Midlothian, Chesterfield, Mechanicsville, or near VCU and Downtown, we make last-minute year-end car donations simple. There’s no inspection, no repairs, and non-running vehicles are welcome. You’ll get a written acknowledgment for your records — and if your vehicle sells for more than $500, you’ll receive IRS Form 1098-C from Heritage for the Blind. Use it when you itemize on Schedule A. If you’re ready to clean out the driveway, support services for people who are blind or visually impaired, and still make this year’s deduction, start now. The form takes about two minutes, and pickups across Richmond Metro are always free.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2‑minute donation form or call
2 minutesFrom anywhere in Richmond Metro—Scott’s Addition, Bon Air, Henrico, or beyond—begin by completing the quick online form or calling. Share your contact info, vehicle location, and car details. This is all we need to start the process and look at available tow slots before December 31.
Choose a pickup day before December 31
5 minutesA donation specialist confirms your details and offers the earliest available pickup options. IRS rules require the car to be picked up by December 31, so aim to schedule 3–5 business days ahead, especially around holidays, to secure your preferred date in the Richmond Metro area.
Prepare your title and clear the vehicle
10–15 minutesBefore the tow truck arrives at your Richmond home, apartment, or workplace, remove personal belongings and locate your title (if available). No repairs or inspection are needed. Non-running cars, older vehicles, and extra vehicles taking up driveway space are all accepted at no cost to you.
Vehicle picked up — tax year locked in
Day of pickupOn your scheduled date, the towing partner meets you or follows your instructions for key and title handoff. The IRS counts this pickup date as your donation date, so as long as it’s on or before December 31, the deduction applies to this tax year.
Receive your written acknowledgment and tax paperwork
After saleHeritage for the Blind mails you a written acknowledgment after the vehicle is sold. For vehicles that sell for over $500, you’ll receive IRS Form 1098‑C. Even if the form arrives in the new year, the deduction belongs to the year the car was picked up in Richmond.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Pickup date = donation year
For IRS purposes, your donation date is when the vehicle is actually picked up, not when you sign up. A tow on or before December 31 means the deduction applies to that tax year for your Richmond car donation.
Form 1098‑C for $500+ vehicles
If Heritage for the Blind sells your donated vehicle for more than $500, you’ll receive IRS Form 1098‑C. This shows the gross sale price, which usually sets the maximum deduction you can claim when you itemize.
How deductions are usually calculated
In most cases, your allowable deduction equals the vehicle’s sale price, as reported on Form 1098‑C. In limited situations, you may deduct fair market value; talk with your tax advisor to be sure which applies to your situation.
You must itemize on Schedule A
Car donations are generally taken as a charitable deduction on Schedule A of your federal tax return. If you use the standard deduction and do not itemize, you usually can’t claim an additional deduction for your donated vehicle.
Acknowledgment within about 30 days of sale
Your written acknowledgment and Form 1098‑C (when required) are mailed after the car is sold, often within about 30 days of sale. Even if this arrives in the next calendar year, the deduction year is still based on your actual pickup date.