You’re ready to donate your car and you want your tax deduction to count for this year. With Lancaster Motor Gifts, powered by Heritage for the Blind (a 501(c)(3)), it’s simple: complete our 2‑minute online form or call us, we schedule your free tow, and the IRS donation date is the day the tow truck picks up your vehicle. If your pickup happens by December 31, you can claim the deduction on this year’s return—even if the car sells later.
We serve donors all across Lancaster County—from downtown Lancaster, Manheim Township, and East Petersburg to Lititz, Millersville, Ephrata, Elizabethtown, Mount Joy, Columbia, and beyond. Your car does not need to run, pass inspection, or have current registration. Most pickups in the Lancaster metro and surrounding areas happen the same day or the next business day, Monday through Saturday. You’ll get a written acknowledgment (or IRS Form 1098‑C when required) after the vehicle is sold, for your records. Start now to lock in your preferred pickup time before the December 31 year‑end rush.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2‑Minute Form or Call
2 minutesEnter your contact and vehicle details in our simple online form or call Lancaster Motor Gifts. It truly takes about two minutes. Tell us you need pickup by December 31 so we prioritize scheduling for this tax year’s deadline.
Get a Call Back to Schedule Pickup
Within 1–2 business hours (weekdays)A Heritage for the Blind donation coordinator calls you back, usually within 1–2 business hours on weekdays, to confirm your information and set a free pickup time at your Lancaster County address that meets your year‑end timing.
Free Tow Truck Arrives at Your Address
Same day or next business day in most metro areasA licensed tow truck comes to you—home, work, or shop—in Lancaster, Lititz, Ephrata, Elizabethtown, or anywhere in Lancaster County. In most metro areas, we can pick up the same day or next business day, Monday through Saturday.
Sign the Title at Pickup (Locks in the Date)
5–10 minutes at the truckAt pickup, you sign the title over to Heritage for the Blind. The tow driver provides any needed instructions. The physical pickup date is the IRS donation date that determines which tax year your deduction applies to.
We Sell the Vehicle and Mail Your Tax Receipt
Receipt mailed within 30 days of saleYour vehicle is transported, processed, and sold. Within 30 days of the sale, Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment or IRS Form 1098‑C (if required), showing the gross sale price for your potential deduction.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Pickup Date Controls the Tax Year
For vehicle donations, the IRS treats the date your car is picked up as the donation date. If your pickup happens on or before December 31, you can generally claim the deduction on this year’s tax return.
Form 1098‑C for Larger Deductions
If your vehicle sells for more than the IRS threshold, Heritage for the Blind issues Form 1098‑C. This form shows sale details and is used to support your charitable deduction when you file your return.
Deduction Usually Equals Sale Price
In most cases, your allowable federal deduction is based on the gross sale price of your donated vehicle, not its blue‑book value. The written acknowledgment or Form 1098‑C will show the sale price for your records.
Itemizing on Schedule A
To use a vehicle donation for federal tax purposes, you generally must itemize deductions on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Ask your tax preparer what makes sense in your situation.
30‑Day Written Acknowledgment Rule
After your vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind mails a written acknowledgment or Form 1098‑C within 30 days of the sale. Keep this document with your tax records as proof of your qualified charitable donation.