We have all heard how donating a car can give us such great benefits. Most donors are attracted to bequest their cars to charity due to tax breaks. The sad thing is that in their rush to get tax deductions, most people fail to actually think about the essence of the donation and finding the right charity. A lot of articles out there are focused on the IRS side of philanthropy, so this article is dedicated to helping you find the best charity.
Experience and Professionalism
First of all let us tackle the ever attractive topic of tax write offs. Do you know that the charity institution of your choice can actually prevent you from claiming those tax deductions? So before you rush to the nearest charity, read this.
There is a difference between a car donation service and the charity organization itself. Recognize the difference for a better judgment. A car donation service is a mediator. It may be for profit or a nonprofit service. If you want more proceeds to go to the charity of your choice use a non-profit car donation service or better yet go directly to the charity.
An excellent car donation service or charity will make donating easy as pie. They will take care of all the documents necessary to push the transaction through, as well as provide you with the IRS requirements in a timely manner.
Service and Compliance
Law abiding charities mean "legal" charities. In the world of high stakes fraud, there are a lot of highly skilled con artists who will hood wink you and make you think you are giving your car to charity. Complying charities and car donation services provide all the required IRS forms together with their forms when you make the contribution.
Some charities may even come knocking on your door asking for your unused car. If this is the case, expect them to provide a driver or tow truck (in case the car doesn't run) when you make the donation. In short good charities and car donation services make your life easy.
Avoiding The Falls
If time is of the essence, a car donation service is the easiest way to donate your car, but be proactive. Ask how much your car was sold for, choose the charity it goes to and ask for all the receipts and documents proving the validity of the sale and donation.
A legal charity is important. Why? because there are those who use the car for crime, and in fact some used car dealers even pose as car donation services to get cars for free! Some charities may use the car for other purposes. It is your responsibility as the donor to ensure that a large amount of the proceeds from your car actually goes to charitable work.
Make sure to transfer your title to the institution or you may find your mail box full of parking tickets.
Environment, Pocket and Heart
If your car is the oldest of all cars, look for a charity that disassembles the cars donated and sells them as metal scrap. Not only are old cars gas guzzlers, but they are also harmful to the environment. In making a car donation of you oldies not only did you help people in need, save the environment but you also gave yourself a break from too much gas spending.