Charitable organizations in Michigan collect vehicles for donation, either to offer transportation options to qualifying families or to resell in order to provide financial support for their programs. Arrangements for vehicle donations can be made through the charity's website or via telephone. Typically, the value of the vehicle is tax deductible with the proper documentation provided by the charity organization. Several charities in the Lansing, Michigan area -- and throughout the state -- accept vehicle donations.
Instructions
1. Decide what charity you wish to donate your vehicle to. National charities such as the Salvation Army and Volunteers of America resell donated vehicles for financial support of community programs, and both have facilities in the Lansing area. Activated Ministries accepts vehicle donations in Lansing and surrounding areas to benefit Christian outreach programs around the world. Several other organizations accept vehicle donations, including Donate A Car 2 Charity, Donate Car USA, Kars 4 Kids and Cars for Veterans.
2. Contact the charity your choose regarding your car donation. Most charities accept donations through online forms, while some request a phone call. Volunteers of America is a national charitable organization with offices throughout Michigan, including Lansing. Local VOA staff members assist with the vehicle donations. To process the donation, information about the vehicle is required, such as the make and model of the car, overall condition, mileage, repairs needed and a lien-free title. The car must be paid for in full with no outstanding interest from a finance company, bank or credit union to be considered lien-free.
3. Schedule the pickup of the vehicle. Typically, charitable organizations such as the Salvation Army work with Lansing-area tow companies for transportation of the donated car. The local tow company is responsible for contacting you to schedule a day and time for pickup. As part of the arrangement with the towing company, the vehicle will be towed at no charge to you, and you'll receive a receipt for pickup.
4. Save the documentation provided to you by the charity as proof you donated your vehicle. The charity, whether based in Lansing or elsewhere, will issue you an IRS Form 1098-C, which is required to deduct the full amount of your donation on your income taxes. The total deduction amount is $500 or the value of your vehicle, whichever is greater.
Tags: vehicle donations, your vehicle, accept vehicle, accept vehicle donations, documentation provided
