To claim a 2024 car donation tax deduction11:59 p.m. December 31, it counts for your 2024 return. For vehicles that sell for over $500, your deduction is the actual gross sale price — not Kelley Blue Book. After your donated vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind (a 501(c)(3), EIN 58-2164446) mails you IRS Form 1098-C showing that sale price for your taxes.
If your vehicle sells for $500 or less, you’ll get a written acknowledgment and may deduct up to $500 or the fair market value, whichever is lower. You’ll need to itemize on Schedule A to claim the deduction, and you should keep your pickup confirmation as proof of your donation date. Ride Again arranges free towing across the San Antonio Metro — from Stone Oak and Alamo Heights to Leon Valley, Helotes, New Braunfels, and Converse. No inspections, no repairs needed; non-running cars are welcome. We handle the title guidance, towing, and IRS-required paperwork so you can beat the year-end deadline and still enjoy the River Walk, Fiesta lights, or a night in Southtown.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesComplete Ride Again’s quick online form or call to donate your vehicle in the San Antonio Metro. Have your title (if available) and basic vehicle info handy. This locks in your intent to donate so we can dispatch your free tow fast before December 31.
Lock in a pickup before Dec 31
5 minutesOur team confirms your details and schedules free towing, often within a day or two, Monday–Saturday, anywhere around San Antonio, from Castle Hills and Live Oak to Boerne and Schertz. Choose the earliest pickup that gets your car off your hands before year-end.
Donate and keep your pickup confirmation
Day of pickupThe tow driver arrives, you hand over keys and title (if required), and your vehicle is officially donated. You’ll receive a pickup confirmation or receipt — keep this as proof of your donation date for your 2024 tax records.
We sell your vehicle and report the price
After pickupRide Again arranges the sale of your donated vehicle. When it sells, that gross sale price determines your deduction if it’s over $500. No effort from you — we handle the sale and all charity reporting requirements for Heritage for the Blind.
Receive your tax paperwork by mail
Within 30 days of saleIf your vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind mails you IRS Form 1098-C within 30 days of the sale. For $500 or below, you receive a written acknowledgment. Use these documents when you itemize on Schedule A for your 2024 return.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Deduction equals actual sale price over $500
For vehicles that sell for more than $500, the IRS says your deduction is the gross proceeds from the sale, not Kelley Blue Book or an estimate. Form 1098-C from Heritage for the Blind shows this amount for your return.
How $500-or-less donations work
If your donated vehicle sells for $500 or less, you can generally deduct up to $500 or the fair market value, whichever is lower. Ride Again provides a written acknowledgment you’ll keep with your tax records instead of Form 1098-C.
You must itemize on Schedule A
Car donations are a charitable contribution. To benefit, you must itemize deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040). If you take the standard deduction, you usually can’t add a separate car donation deduction. Ask your tax professional which option fits you.
Why Form 1098-C matters
For vehicles over $500, Heritage for the Blind issues IRS Form 1098-C within 30 days after the vehicle sells. This shows the charity’s info, your vehicle details, and the sale price the IRS expects you to use as your deduction amount.
Dec 31 controls which tax year you claim
Your deduction year is based on the donation date, not the sale date. As long as Ride Again receives or picks up your car by December 31, it counts for that tax year, even if the vehicle sells later. Keep the pickup confirmation as proof.