If your vehicle is physically picked up on or before December 31, the IRS counts your car donation for this tax year – even if the sale and tax receipt happen later. With Ride Again and Heritage for the Blind, it takes about two minutes to start online or by phone. We call you back fast to schedule a free tow on your timeline, and a licensed truck can usually be at your San Antonio address the same day or next business day. Non-running cars are fine, no inspection or recent registration is required, and you sign the title at pickup.
We know year-end in San Antonio gets busy – from commuting in from Stone Oak or Alamo Ranch, to holiday traffic around North Star Mall, to tight parking downtown near the River Walk. That’s why our process is built for speed and convenience across the San Antonio Metro, including Converse, Universal City, Schertz, New Braunfels, Helotes, Live Oak, and beyond. Your donated vehicle helps Heritage for the Blind provide services to people who are blind or visually impaired. Start now, lock in your December 31 pickup, and head into the new year with one less car and a potential tax deduction.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2-minute form or call Ride Again
2 minutesTell us who you are, where the vehicle sits in the San Antonio Metro, and basic car details. It’s okay if it doesn’t run, has expired registration, or failed inspection. Submit the quick online form or call Ride Again partnering with Heritage for the Blind to kick off the process instantly.
Get a fast callback to schedule your free tow
Within 1–2 business hoursA donation coordinator calls you back within 1–2 hours on weekdays (often faster), to confirm details and set up your free pickup. You choose a convenient day and time window before December 31 so your donation counts for this tax year under IRS rules.
Licensed tow truck arrives at your San Antonio address
Same-day or next business day in most metro areasIn most of the San Antonio Metro, including areas like Alamo Heights, Leon Valley, and Balcones Heights, we can send a licensed tow truck the same day or next business day. Towing is always free to you, whether the car is in your driveway, garage, or a shop.
Sign the title at pickup to complete your donation
About 10 minutesAt pickup, you hand over the keys (if available) and sign the title over with the driver’s guidance. This is quick and straightforward. The physical pickup date is what the IRS treats as your donation date, so a December 31 tow locks in this year’s deduction.
Vehicle is sold and your tax paperwork is mailed
Within 30 days of saleYour vehicle is transported, evaluated, and sold for the benefit of Heritage for the Blind. Within 30 days of the sale, you’ll receive IRS Form 1098-C or a written acknowledgment by mail, which you can use when you file your federal return and complete Schedule A.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 pickup equals this year’s deduction
For vehicle donations, the IRS uses the date the charity takes possession of the car. If your tow truck picks up your vehicle on or before December 31, your donation is considered made in that tax year, even if the vehicle is sold later.
Form 1098-C documents your donation
After your vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind sends IRS Form 1098-C or a written acknowledgment within 30 days of the sale. This form records the gross sale price and key details you or your tax preparer will use for your federal return.
Deduction usually equals the vehicle’s sale price
In most cases, the IRS limits your charitable deduction to the gross sale price of the donated vehicle listed on Form 1098-C. You generally claim this amount as a charitable contribution if you itemize deductions on Schedule A of your federal return.
You must itemize to claim the deduction
To benefit from a car donation tax deduction, you typically need to itemize deductions on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. A tax professional can help you decide which approach provides the most benefit for your situation.
30-day receipt window after the sale
The charity must send your Form 1098-C or written acknowledgment within 30 days after the vehicle is sold. Keep this with your tax records; it’s your proof of the donation amount and is required for claiming the deduction if the value exceeds IRS thresholds.