In Delaware, the IRS uses the actual pickup date as your donation date – not when you call or fill out the form. To claim your car donation on this year’s taxes, your vehicle must be physically picked up on or before December 31. With First State Autos, operated for the benefit of Heritage for the Blind, you get fast, free towing and a proper IRS receipt. We strongly recommend you schedule your pickup at least 3–5 business days before December 31 so we can lock in a year-end slot for you.
We serve donors all across Delaware – from Wilmington, Newark, Bear, and Middletown in New Castle County, to Dover, Smyrna, Milford, and out to Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, and Georgetown. Heritage for the Blind’s towing partners operate Monday through Saturday during the holiday season, and we accept running or non-running vehicles with no inspection or repairs needed. Your car is sold, proceeds help people who are blind or visually impaired, and you receive a written acknowledgment for your records. If you’re in Delaware and want this year’s deduction, now is the time to schedule.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2-minute donation form or call
2 minutesShare your Delaware location (Wilmington, Dover, Newark, etc.), basic vehicle details, and how to reach you. It takes about two minutes. Mention you need pickup by December 31 for this year’s tax deduction so we prioritize a year-end slot.
Choose a pickup day before December 31
5 minutesOur team confirms your info and offers pickup windows, Monday–Saturday. To be safe, schedule 3–5 business days before Dec 31, especially around Christmas, so a tow truck can reach you in time anywhere in Delaware.
Prepare the title and access to the vehicle
10–15 minutesFind your signed Delaware title and remove personal items from the car. The vehicle doesn’t need to run or pass inspection. Just ensure we can access it in your driveway, parking lot, or street spot on pickup day.
Vehicle pickup – this locks in the tax year
30–60 minutesThe tow driver meets you (or follows your instructions if you can’t be present), completes any required paperwork, and hauls your car away free. The IRS treats this pickup date as your official donation date.
Receive your tax acknowledgment and keep for filing
After vehicle sellsAfter Heritage for the Blind sells your car, you’ll receive a written acknowledgment and, for vehicles valued over $500, IRS Form 1098-C. Your deduction year is based on the pickup date, even if the receipt arrives later.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 pickup = this year’s deduction
For the IRS, the donation date is when Heritage for the Blind’s tow truck actually picks up your vehicle. If that happens on or before December 31, you may claim the deduction for that tax year.
Scheduling vs. pickup date
Calling or completing the form by December 31 is not enough. The car must be physically picked up by December 31. That’s why we urge Delaware donors to schedule 3–5 business days before year-end.
Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500
If your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind will issue IRS Form 1098-C. This form shows the sale price, which typically limits the amount you may deduct on your Schedule A.
Written acknowledgment timing
Your written acknowledgment and any Form 1098-C are sent after the vehicle sells, often weeks later. The tax year of your deduction is still the year of pickup, as long as it was on or before December 31.
Itemizing on Schedule A
To benefit from a car donation deduction, you generally must itemize deductions on IRS Schedule A. Keep your acknowledgment and 1098-C with your Delaware and federal tax records for your preparer.