Donate your car to Magnolia Motors Gift in Mississippi by December 31 and, if you itemize, you can generally deduct the car’s sale price on your federal return. For vehicles that sell for over $500, Heritage for the Blind will mail you IRS Form 1098-C within 30 days of the sale, clearly showing the gross proceeds. That sale price – not Kelley Blue Book – is usually the amount you may claim. For cars valued at $500 or less, you’ll receive a written acknowledgment and can typically deduct up to $500 or the fair market value, whichever is lower. You must itemize on Schedule A to claim any deduction, and you should keep your pickup confirmation as proof of your donation date for this tax year.
Magnolia Motors Gift makes year-end giving easy for donors across Mississippi – from Jackson, Ridgeland, and Madison to Gulfport, Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Meridian, Oxford, Southaven, and small towns in the Delta and Pine Belt. We arrange free towing in most areas, Monday through Saturday, and accept non-running vehicles with no inspection or repairs required. Proceeds support Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) serving people who are blind or visually impaired. Donate today, before December 31, and we’ll handle the title transfer, pickup, and tax paperwork so you can focus on your year-end planning. Always consult a tax professional about your specific situation.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your 2-minute online form or call
2 minutesShare your contact information, vehicle details, and preferred pickup location anywhere in Mississippi – from the Jackson metro to the Gulf Coast or North Mississippi. This locks in your intent to donate before the December 31 IRS cutoff, as long as we can schedule a timely pickup.
Confirm your pickup time and location
5 minutesOur towing partner calls to set a convenient pickup window, Monday–Saturday. We serve driveways, apartments, and workplaces in places like Gulfport, Tupelo, Vicksburg, and Olive Branch. Non-running vehicles are welcome; no emissions test or repairs needed.
Donate the car and keep your pickup confirmation
Day of pickupSign the title as instructed, hand over the keys (if you have them), and the tow driver will give you a pickup confirmation or tow receipt. Keep this document as proof that your donation occurred by December 31 for this tax year.
Magnolia Motors Gift sells your vehicle
Varies by saleHeritage for the Blind arranges the sale of your donated car, truck, SUV, or van. When it sells for more than $500, your allowable deduction is generally the gross sale proceeds – not the estimated book value. We handle all sale logistics for you.
Receive your 1098-C or written acknowledgment
Within 30 days of saleFor vehicles sold for over $500, you’ll receive IRS Form 1098-C in the mail within 30 days of the sale. For $500-or-less vehicles, you’ll get a written acknowledgment. Use these documents, plus Schedule A, when you file and consult your tax advisor.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Deduction equals sale price, not book value
If your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, the IRS generally limits your deduction to the gross sale proceeds shown on Form 1098-C. Kelley Blue Book or other price guides do not control your actual allowable deduction amount.
Vehicles at $500 or less use acknowledgment letter
When your vehicle is worth or sells for $500 or less, you’ll receive a written acknowledgment instead of Form 1098-C. You may generally deduct up to $500 or the vehicle’s fair market value, whichever is lower, if you itemize on Schedule A.
Form 1098-C mailed within 30 days of sale
For cars that sell for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind mails IRS Form 1098-C to you within 30 days of the completed sale. This form documents the gross sale proceeds and is your primary proof for claiming the charitable vehicle deduction.
You must itemize on Schedule A
Car donations are charitable contributions. To benefit, you must choose to itemize deductions on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. A tax professional can help you decide if itemizing with your car donation makes financial sense.
Donate by Dec 31 for this year’s taxes
The IRS uses the donation date, not the sale date, to determine the tax year. As long as your vehicle is picked up and transferred by December 31, you generally claim the deduction on that year’s return, even if the sale and 1098-C arrive the next year.