1999 Volkswagen Jetta General Question

My car sucks and is at the end of its long but troubled existence. How hard is it to donate a car to a charity? Do you really get any worthwhile tax breaks for doing it or is it just a scam?

Posted Mar 4th by Aarchitect the owner of a Volkswagen Jetta donation, charity, taxes, scams, VW, Vokswagon

Answers from the Automotive Experts

It is very easy to donate your vehicle, just call the GoodWill in your area and they will walk you through the process and give you a receipt for your donation. The value is based on the book value of the vehicle at the time of donation. You need to consult your tax advisor to find out exactly how this will impact your taxes as it is very individual based on your tax bracket and how you file your taxes. It is always a good deal to donate the vehicle as it eliminates the liability of selling a vehicle that might not be safe to drive or may break down and that leaves you with liability issues. It is definitely not a "scam".

⟩ Answered on Mar 5th, 2010 by Jessie L Thatcher, F&I and Sales Specialist at Reynolds and Reynolds Company (Retired)

It is not hard to donate your car to charity. If you go to www.donatecarusa.com it explains how their program works.

⟩ Answered on Mar 5th, 2010 by Amy Mattinat, Owner and Author at Auto Craftsmen Ltd

I am sure there are some that are scams out there but there really is a way to donate your car. And let me commend you for thinking of that! Here are some that I found, but you should probably look into them more to see what each offer: http://www.donatecarusa.com/ http://cars4disabledvets.org/?k=Veterans&gclid=CM3f6vfOoqACFR0pawod5l5T5g http://www.800charitycars.org/ Here is some info on what to do in order to donate properly: http://www.charitywatch.org/articles/car.html

⟩ Answered on Mar 5th, 2010 by Breanne Boyle, Contributing Editor at AskPatty.com

I would check with my local better business bureau and tax consultant before making this decision. Financially, you must look at which is worth more to you..a tax deduction if you itemize or a cash value as a trade-in. Georgia Brown Education Director NIADA

⟩ Answered on Mar 9th, 2010 by Georgia Brown, Director of Education at National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA)

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