Hope and financial assistance Since 2013
Hope and financial assistance Since 2013
Vehicle Donation To Any Charity (V-DAC) is an easy, turn-key vehicle donation program.
V-DAC accepts any kind of vehicle: cars, trucks, motorcycles, RV’s, boats, airplanes, heavy equipment, farm machinery, etc. No smog certificate is necessary, and they can solve almost all title issues. V-DAC has contracts with over 3,500 tow companies, auctions and recyclers, nationwide, so they pick-up anywhere in the country, with very, very few exceptions.There is no cost to the donor or to the Foundation.
All expenses are deducted from the gross sales price and, if the costs ever exceed the price, the V-DAC covers those costs. V-DAC is happy to arrange a “Quick Pick-up.” Their normal pick up schedule is within a few days of receiving the paperwork you send in. You will receive a call from their tow service to arrange a convenient time. You do not need to be there. It usually takes 45-60 days from the time the vehicle is picked-up until the entire process is complete and the net cash proceeds are delivered to the MCS Foundation.
You are entitled to receive a Tax Deduction equal to what the vehicle is sold for by the charity if you itemize your deductions. If the vehicle is sold for less than $500, you can deduct the fair market value up to $500. You will receive a tax receipt stating what your vehicle sold for within a few days of the sale of your vehicle.
Donate Your Vehicle Now to Support the MCS Foundation! Call 209-726-3410
Download the IRS Guide to Donating Your Vehicle (PDF)
When donating a car, the biggest beneficiary is often the donor, not the charity. To ensure your contribution makes a real impact, take your time to find a reputable charity. This can help maximize the donation’s effectiveness and reduce the risk of an IRS audit.
1. Choose a Charity that Accepts Car Donations
Try to find a charity that manages car donations directly, rather than going through a for-profit middleman. This way, 100% of the proceeds go to the charity. If you already support certain charities, check if they have a car donation program. If not, research to find a high-quality charity that aligns with your values and operates in your preferred area.
2. Verify the Charity’s Status
Ensure the organization is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
3. Properly Transfer Ownership
Make sure to correctly sign over ownership of the car to the charity. If a charity asks you to leave the ownership section blank, look for another charity. Not formally transferring ownership means you could still be held responsible for parking tickets or if the car is involved in a crime. Remember, charities generally sell the car quickly rather than using it directly.
4. Determine Fair Market Value (FMV)
Use the car’s FMV for your tax deduction. There are specific cases where you can use resources like Kelley Blue Book, but ultimately, the FMV is required unless:
– The charity keeps and uses the car instead of selling it.
– The charity makes improvements to the car before selling it.
– The car is sold at a discount to someone with low income.
– The car’s value is under $500.
Otherwise, you can only deduct what the charity sells the vehicle for, as stated in the receipt they provide.
5. Complete Your Paperwork
Non-cash donations, like a car, often lead to IRS audits, making thorough documentation essential. If your car is valued over $250, get a written acknowledgment from the charity. For cars worth more than $500, complete Section A of IRS Form 8283 and attach it to your taxes. If your car is worth over $5,000, you’ll need an independent appraisal and must fill out Section B of IRS Form 8283.