In Virginia, the IRS uses the date your vehicle is actually picked up as your official donation date. That means your car must be physically towed by December 31 to claim the deduction on this year’s taxes. Scheduling alone doesn’t lock in the year—it has to be picked up. With AutoHeritage Donate, benefiting Heritage for the Blind, we recommend booking your pickup 3–5 business days before December 31 so we can get your free tow done on time, even in the busy holiday rush.
AutoHeritage Donate offers free pickup across Virginia—from Northern Virginia (Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William) to Richmond, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Hampton, Roanoke, and smaller communities like Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, and Lynchburg. We operate Monday through Saturday throughout the holiday season, and we accept most vehicles running or not, with no inspection or repairs required. Once your vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment (and IRS Form 1098‑C for vehicles over $500). Your deduction year, however, is locked in by the pickup date. Take two minutes now to secure your year‑end slot and help support vital services for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start Your Virginia Donation in 2 Minutes
2 minutesComplete our fast online form or call to donate from anywhere in Virginia—Richmond, Virginia Beach, Arlington, Norfolk, Roanoke, and beyond. Have your title handy if possible. This locks in your request and lets our team assign the nearest towing partner for a year-end pickup.
Choose a Pickup Window Before Dec 31
5 minutesOur scheduling team will contact you quickly (usually same or next business day) to set a pickup time. To safely meet the IRS cutoff, aim for a towing date at least 3–5 business days before December 31, especially in busy Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads areas.
Confirm Details With the Tow Driver
5 minutesOn the phone, confirm your Virginia address, vehicle location, and whether the car runs. Non‑running and damaged vehicles are welcome. The tow company provides your official pickup date—that’s the IRS donation date that determines which tax year your deduction applies to.
Hand Over Keys, Title, and Get Pickup Proof
10 minutesOn pickup day, sign the title (if required in Virginia), remove your plates, and hand over keys if available. The driver will document the tow. That pickup day—as long as it’s on or before December 31—is what locks in your deduction for this tax year.
Receive Your Tax Acknowledgment After Sale
No time from youYour vehicle is sold to support Heritage for the Blind’s services. You’ll receive a written acknowledgment by mail, and for vehicles over $500, IRS Form 1098‑C. Even if this arrives the following year, your deduction year remains the year of pickup in Virginia.
Year-end tax deduction facts
IRS counts the pickup date, not the call date
For car donations in Virginia, the IRS treats the date your vehicle is physically picked up as the donation date. To claim the deduction for this tax year, your car must be towed away on or before December 31.
Dec 31 pickup equals this year’s deduction
If your vehicle is picked up anytime on or before December 31, you can claim the deduction for that tax year, even if the sale and tax paperwork arrive by mail in January or later. The tow date is what controls timing.
Form 1098‑C for vehicles over $500
When your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind issues IRS Form 1098‑C. This shows the gross sale price, which typically limits the amount you can deduct. You attach or reference this form with your tax return.
Itemizing on Schedule A is required
To use a charitable vehicle donation deduction, most Virginia taxpayers must itemize deductions on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. A tax professional can help you decide which option benefits you most.
30‑day written acknowledgment requirement
The charity generally has 30 days from the sale or transfer of your vehicle to send a written acknowledgment. This may arrive in the new year, but your deduction year remains tied to the actual pickup date in Virginia.