The Internal Revenue Service and the American Institute of Philanthropy have suggestions for people donating cars to charity.
- Make sure a charity is eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. Check www.irs.gov/eo or call the IRS Customer Account Services division at 877-829-5500. At the state level, try the state attorney general or secretary of state.
- Take pictures of the car and save receipts for new tires or other upgrades.
- Remove the license plates and notify the state motor vehicles office that the registration should not be in your name.
- Document the value of the car and keep records of it. Use the fair market value. The Kelley Blue Book, the Hearst Black Book or a National Auto Dealers Association guide might help, but don't ignore the cost of needed repairs.
