In Delaware, the IRS deadline is firm: your vehicle must be picked up on or before December 31 to count for this tax year’s deduction. With First State Autos, powered by Heritage for the Blind, pickups run Monday–Saturday all December, including Christmas week. In most metro areas, when you call before early afternoon on a weekday, we can often schedule same-day or next-day towing—even for non-running vehicles. To guarantee a December 31 pickup slot, we strongly recommend contacting us by December 27 (December 28 at the latest). Your donation starts with a 2‑minute online form or phone call, and towing is always free.
First State Autos knows Delaware: from Wilmington, Newark, and Bear to Dover, Middletown, Smyrna, and down through Milford, Georgetown, and Rehoboth Beach. Whether you’re in North Wilmington near Brandywine Hundred, closer to New Castle and Claymont, or along the beaches near Lewes and Bethany, we’ll work to get your vehicle picked up by year‑end. All you need is a signed Delaware title; no inspection or repairs are required. Your car, truck, SUV, or van helps fund vital services for people who are blind or visually impaired through Heritage for the Blind, and you receive an IRS‑compliant tax receipt for your records.
Your year-end donation timeline
Step 1 – Start your donation (2 minutes)
2 minutesFill out our quick online form or call First State Autos. Provide basic details about your vehicle and your Delaware pickup location—from Wilmington or Newark to Dover or Rehoboth. We’ll confirm eligibility and begin scheduling immediately.
Step 2 – Choose your pickup day
5 minutesTell us your preferred date and time window. We schedule Monday–Saturday all year, including Christmas week. Call by December 27–28 to lock in a December 31 slot for this tax year. We’ll confirm your appointment on the spot.
Step 3 – Prepare your Delaware title
5–10 minutesLocate your Delaware vehicle title and sign it as the owner. We’ll explain exactly where to sign when you schedule. No emissions test, inspection, or repairs are needed, and your car can be non‑running or damaged—towing is always free.
Step 4 – Free tow at your home or work
15–30 minutesOur driver meets you at your home, office, or storage lot—whether in Pike Creek, Middletown, Dover, Milford, or coastal Sussex County. They’ll collect the keys and title, load your vehicle, and you’ll receive a preliminary towing receipt as proof of pickup.
Step 5 – Vehicle sold, IRS receipt issued
Within 30 days of saleHeritage for the Blind arranges the sale of your donated vehicle. After the sale, you’ll receive a written acknowledgment and, when required, IRS Form 1098‑C so you can document your deduction when you file and itemize on Schedule A.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 controls the tax year
For IRS purposes, the date your vehicle is picked up is what counts. If your Delaware car is towed on or before December 31, it can be deducted for that tax year when you itemize deductions.
IRS Form 1098-C for larger gifts
When your donated vehicle is sold for more than the IRS reporting threshold, Heritage for the Blind issues Form 1098‑C. This form documents the final sale amount that generally limits the deduction you can claim.
Deduction usually equals sale price
In most cases, your allowable deduction is the gross sale price of the vehicle—not the blue‑book value. Once your car is sold, you’ll be told the sale amount to use when you file your tax return.
30-day written acknowledgment
After the vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind sends a written acknowledgment—often within 30 days of the sale. Keep this with your tax files as proof of your charitable contribution to a 501(c)(3).
Itemizing on Schedule A
To benefit from a car‑donation deduction, you generally must itemize on IRS Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Consult your tax advisor to see how your Delaware donation fits your situation.