About Donated Car Tax Deductions
- The organization you donate to must be a qualified charity. Qualified organizations include those listed in IRS Publication 78 (see Resources below) plus churches and some government entities.
- You are allowed to donate only the actual sale price of the car. The charity must send you Form 1098-C within 30 days of being sold documenting the sale price.
- If the car is sold for less than $500 you may use fair market value up to $499 if it is greater than the sale price.
- In the event the charity makes substantial repairs to a vehicle or retains it for their use, you may take fair market value for your donated car tax deduction.
- If the sale price is $500 or more you must file Form 8083 with your tax return. You may have to have the vehicle appraised if the value is over $5000.