The IRS sets your deduction year based on the actual pickup date of your vehicle, not when you schedule it. That means your car must be physically picked up on or before December 31 to count toward this year’s taxes. To be safe, Ride Again recommends San Antonio donors schedule pickup at least 3–5 business days before December 31. Heritage for the Blind dispatches tow trucks Monday–Saturday throughout the holiday season, and your pickup is always 100% free, even if the car doesn’t run.
Ride Again proudly serves donors throughout the San Antonio Metro—from Alamo Heights, Stone Oak, and the Medical Center area to Helotes, Universal City, and Converse. Whether your car is parked downtown near the River Walk, in Southtown or King William, or out by Lackland or Randolph, we’ll help you get it donated in time. After the vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind mails you the required written acknowledgment (including IRS Form 1098-C for vehicles worth over $500), but your deduction year is locked in as of the pickup date. Don’t wait for the last-minute rush—secure your spot and your deduction while pickup slots are still open.
Your year-end donation timeline
1. Start the 2-minute donation form or call
2 minutesShare basic details about your vehicle and where it’s located in the San Antonio Metro—whether that’s Stone Oak, Alamo Ranch, or Brooks City Base. It only takes about two minutes, and you’ll immediately be in the queue for a year-end pickup slot.
2. Choose a pickup window before December 31
5 minutesHeritage for the Blind dispatchers work Monday–Saturday, even during the holidays. Pick a day and time window that works for you, aiming at least 3–5 business days before December 31 so we can guarantee your free tow in time for this tax year.
3. Prepare your title and remove personal items
10–15 minutesHave your title ready if available, and clear out personal belongings from the glove box and trunk. No inspections, repairs, or emissions tests are needed in San Antonio—non-running and damaged vehicles are welcome and towed at no cost to you.
4. Vehicle gets picked up by the tow truck
15–30 minutesOn pickup day, the tow driver meets you at home, work, or your storage lot in the San Antonio area. Once the vehicle is physically loaded and signed over on or before December 31, your deduction is locked in for this tax year under IRS rules.
5. Receive your tax acknowledgment in the mail
Varies (after sale)After your vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment—plus IRS Form 1098-C for cars valued over $500. Even if this arrives in the new year, your deduction still applies to the year in which the vehicle was picked up.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Pickup date = deduction year
For IRS purposes, the donation date is when your car is actually picked up and transferred, not when you call or submit the form. A pickup on or before December 31 counts for this tax year’s return.
Written acknowledgment is required
The IRS requires a written acknowledgment from the charity for vehicle donations. Heritage for the Blind mails this after your car is sold. Keep it with your tax records to substantiate your deduction if requested.
Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500
If your donated vehicle is sold for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind issues IRS Form 1098-C. This form shows the sale price, which generally sets the maximum amount you may deduct on Schedule A.
Deduction usually equals sale price
In most cases, you can deduct the gross proceeds from the sale of your donated vehicle, not a blue-book estimate. The final sale price, listed on your acknowledgment or 1098-C, is what you’ll use when itemizing deductions.
You must itemize on Schedule A
To claim a car donation, you need to itemize deductions on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. If you’re unsure which approach benefits you more, consult a tax professional before filing.