How To Donate A Car To Make A Wish Foundation

How To Donate A Car To Make A Wish Foundation

Got a vehicle you no longer need? Whether it’s a car, truck, motorcycle, SUV, RV, or even a boat, donating it can help make a big difference. What you might see as old or broken can help make a wish come true for a local child through Make-A-Wish.

Wheels for Wishes works with Make-A-Wish chapters across the country, helping kids with critical illnesses get their biggest wishes granted—right in their communities. If you’re in the Metro or Western New York area, your donation goes straight to supporting kids in your region. They accept vehicles in any condition—even if they’re not running.

Make-A-Wish teams up with groups like the Car Donation Foundation and CARS to make the process easy. They’ll arrange pickup, fix up the vehicle, and sell it—all to raise money for local wish kids. This article will walk you through how to donate and be part of something truly special.

Also Read: How To Donate A Car To The Kidney Foundation

Is Donating a Car for Kids Worth It?

If you’re thinking about donating your car, it’s normal to have a few questions. How much it’s worth depends on the shape your car is in. Wheels for Wishes, which helps support Make-A-Wish, will either sell your car at an auction or recycle it for parts—whatever makes the most sense. There are also a few other good reasons why donating your car can be a great choice.

What Are the Rules for Donating a Car?

Have Your Title and VIN Number

• Before you donate, make sure you have your car’s title and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). This proves you own the car.

Schedule a Free Pickup

• Towing is free, and the process is super simple—it only takes a minute to set up.

Get Your Tax Receipt

• After your car is picked up, you’ll get a tax-deductible receipt in the mail. You can use it when you file your taxes to claim a deduction.

Need Help? Just Ask

• If you have any questions or if your receipt gets lost in the mail, donation support is there to help. They’ll make sure you get everything you need for your tax return.

Car Donation Tax Deduction

Donating your car is a great way to support a good cause and get a tax break. Wheels for Wishes makes it super easy. If you want to help your local Make-A-Wish and get the highest possible tax deduction, all you need to do is fill out a short form or call 1-888-737-5808. It’s a simple way to make a big difference and get something back, too.

How Car Donation Tax Deductions Work

Before 2005, you could claim a tax deduction based on what your car was worth, even if it sold for less. But figuring out that value was often confusing and time-consuming. Since the law changed in January 2005, it’s much simpler—your tax deduction is now based on the amount your car sells for.

How to Donate a Car to the Make-A-Wish Foundation (Step-by-Step)

Contact Wheels for Wishes

• Call (877) 709-WISH or click here to talk to a representative.
• They’ll set up a time to pick up your car and send you a confirmation.

Give Your Social Security Number

• If your car sells for $500 or more, provide your social security number when donating.
• This helps you get the right tax form.

Get IRS Form 1098-C

• After your car is sold, you’ll receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the sale price.
• You can use this amount when filing your taxes.

Know the Tax rules

• If your car is worth over $500, your tax deduction is based on the actual sale price, not the car’s original value.
• This rule has been in place since January 2005.

Also Read: Sell My House Cash Offer

Benefits of Donating My Car to Make-A-Wish

• When you donate your car to Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, you’re helping them grant life-changing wishes for kids with serious illnesses. You also get the benefit of a tax deduction, which lowers your taxable income when you file your taxes. Plus, you skip the hassle and costs of selling your car—no need to worry about ads, privacy issues, or paying for insurance, registration, and repairs while waiting for a buyer.

Donate your vehicle online or call 1-855-278-9474. A Wheels for Wishes representative will contact you to arrange a pick-up at a time that’s convenient for you and confirm your donation. Start donating now or learn more!

RELATED LINKS