What a great idea! You can support the Gallo Center of the Arts by donating your used vehicle—car, truck, RV, boat, or motorcycle—and enjoy a tax deduction as long as your vehicle is worth more than $500. It's easy, convenient, and pick-up is free.
To learn more, simply visit the website of the Center’s partner, Charitable Auto Resources , or if you’re ready to donate now, call them toll-free at (877) 537-5277 to speak to a Vehicle Donation Representative, who will explain the program, schedule a pickup that's convenient for you, and provide a confirmation of your donation.
If the gross proceeds from the sale of your donated vehicle are $500 or more, and if you provide your Social Security number to a Representative at the time of your donation, you will also receive an IRS tax form 1098C stating the sale price of the vehicle. This amount is what you actually claim on the itemized tax return. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
» What are the benefits of donating my car to the Center?
Gallo Center for the Arts benefits by receiving a cash donation that supports a variety of our programs—for example, Pathways to Creativity, the Center’s arts education initiative that benefits thousands of local school children. You benefit by being able to reduce your taxable income when taxes are itemized. Plus you avoid the costs associated with selling your car. No need to pay for advertising, no loss of privacy and possible security risk, and no need to pay for vehicle registration, insurance, and repairs to keep your car in running condition while you wait for a buyer.
» Does my car have to be running to donate it?
In some cases we can take your car, running or not. However, it must have an engine and be tow-able. The Vehicle Donation Representative will advise whether your vehicle qualifies for pick-up.
» Do I have to be with the vehicle at the time of pick-up?
No. Special arrangements can be made by calling a Representative.
» Do I pay for the towing?
There is no charge to you for towing.
» What paperwork do I need?
The only paperwork needed is a signed, clear title. Please 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.
» Do I need a smog certificate or safety inspection in order to donate my car?
You may donate your vehicle without these documents.
» Will I get a tax receipt for my donation?
Our driver will issue a receipt at the time of pick-up. This is not your final tax receipt unless the sale of your vehicle does not exceed $500. This initial acknowledgement will indicate your name as well as the year, make, model and condition of the car you are donating. It will be your only receipt if your vehicle sells for less than $500.
» What if my car is valued over $5,000?
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 account.
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 and you have submitted your Social Security number. This will be your tax receipt for your charitable contribution.
» 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
» After I donate my vehicle, how do I find out its sale status? I need the information for my tax return.
Call (877) 537-5277 and Charitable Auto Resources will inform you where the 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 the Center’s partners at Charitable Auto Resources will provide the information you need, especially at tax time.
