Donate your car in the Puget Sound area by 11:59 p.m. on December 31 and, in most cases, you can deduct the actual sale price on your federal return. For vehicles that sell for over $500, RideRebirth (benefiting Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3)) will mail you IRS Form 1098-C within 30 days after the vehicle sells. Your deduction is based on the gross sale proceeds – not Kelley Blue Book – and you’ll claim it by itemizing on Schedule A. For vehicles that sell for $500 or less, you’ll receive a written acknowledgment and may generally deduct the lower of $500 or fair market value. Keep your pickup confirmation as proof of your donation date, and always consult a tax professional about your specific situation.
RideRebirth makes year-end car donation in Seattle simple. We cover all of Puget Sound – from Ballard, Capitol Hill, and West Seattle to Bellevue, Redmond, Tacoma, Everett, and beyond. Your car doesn’t need to run, and you don’t need an inspection or repairs. Just complete our 2-minute online form or call, pick a pickup time, and we’ll handle the rest. Proceeds support services for people who are blind or visually impaired through Heritage for the Blind, while you lock in a potential tax deduction for this year.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start before December 31
2 minutesGo online or call RideRebirth from anywhere in Seattle, the Eastside, South King County, or Snohomish County. Provide basic vehicle details and your preferred pickup location. As long as your donation is completed by December 31, it generally counts for this tax year.
Schedule your free Puget Sound pickup
5 minutesChoose a convenient pickup window at home, work, or your mechanic in places like Queen Anne, Renton, Lynnwood, or Tacoma. Towing is free, your car can be non-running, and you don’t need to be present in many cases—just ask when you schedule.
Sign the title and keep your pickup confirmation
5–10 minutesAt pickup, sign your Washington title as instructed and hand over the keys (if available). You’ll get a pickup confirmation—email or paper. Keep this as proof of your donation date for your records and potential audit support.
We sell your vehicle and issue your tax paperwork
After saleRideRebirth arranges the sale of your vehicle. If it sells for over $500, Heritage for the Blind mails you IRS Form 1098-C within 30 days of the sale. If it’s $500 or under, you receive a written acknowledgment letter instead.
Claim your deduction on your tax return
At tax timeGive your 1098-C or acknowledgment to your tax preparer or use it when filing yourself. You generally itemize on Schedule A to claim the deduction. For most cars, your deduction is the gross sale price listed on the 1098-C.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Deduction equals sale price, not KBB
For vehicles that sell for more than $500, the IRS generally limits your deduction to the gross sale proceeds, not the Kelley Blue Book or your estimate. Your Form 1098-C shows the exact amount you can usually deduct.
IRS Form 1098-C for sales over $500
If your donated vehicle sells for over $500, Heritage for the Blind mails you Form 1098-C within 30 days of the sale. This official IRS form documents the sale price and must be kept with your tax records.
Special rule for $500 or under
If your vehicle sells for $500 or less, you’ll receive a written acknowledgment instead of a 1098-C. In many cases, you may deduct the smaller of $500 or fair market value. A tax professional can help you determine the correct amount.
You must itemize on Schedule A
Car donations are usually a charitable deduction. To benefit, you must itemize deductions using Schedule A on your federal return. If you take the standard deduction, you generally cannot claim a separate car-donation deduction.
December 31 controls the tax year
The key date is when you donate, not when the car sells. As long as your donation is completed by December 31, it typically applies to that tax year, even if the vehicle sells and the 1098-C arrives in the new year.