You can claim your car donation on this year’s taxes as long as the vehicle is picked up on or before December 31. With River City Rides in Grand Rapids, it takes about two minutes to start, a quick call-back from our partner Heritage for the Blind, and a free, licensed tow truck scheduled on your timeline. The physical pickup date is what the IRS treats as your donation date, so a December 31 pickup means a deduction for this tax year—even if the car sells later.
We know West Michigan year-end is busy. Whether you’re in Eastown, Alger Heights, Creston, Heritage Hill, or out in Wyoming, Kentwood, Grandville, Walker, or Rockford, we make it simple. Your car does not need to run, pass inspection, or have current registration. Heritage for the Blind handles the details, sells the vehicle, and mails your IRS-compliant acknowledgment. You get clutter out of your driveway, a potential tax deduction, and you support services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Start the form now so you can grab one of the remaining December pickup slots in the Grand Rapids Metro area.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesComplete the quick River City Rides online form or call our partner Heritage for the Blind. Have your title and basic vehicle info handy. This locks in your intent and puts you into the year-end pickup queue for the Grand Rapids Metro area.
Get a fast call-back to schedule pickup
Within 1–2 business hoursA donation coordinator from Heritage for the Blind calls you back within 1–2 hours on weekdays to confirm details and book your free tow. You choose the earliest convenient slot on or before December 31, subject to availability.
Free tow truck arrives at your Grand Rapids address
Same-day or next business day in most metrosA licensed tow partner comes to your home, work, or storage location in the Grand Rapids Metro—East Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Wyoming, Walker, and beyond. Most metro pickups are same-day or next business day as slots allow, especially when you contact us early in December.
Sign the title and complete the donation
10 minutes at pickupAt pickup, you sign the title over and hand the keys to the driver. The moment the tow truck takes possession on or before December 31 is treated as your IRS donation date, locking in your deduction for that tax year.
Vehicle is sold and paperwork is mailed
Within 30 days of saleHeritage for the Blind arranges the sale of your vehicle. Once sold, they mail you IRS-compliant documentation—Form 1098-C or a written acknowledgment—within 30 days of the sale so you can support your deduction at tax time.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Your donation date is the pickup date
For IRS purposes, the donation happens when Heritage for the Blind (through the tow company) takes possession of your car. A pickup completed on or before December 31 counts for that tax year—even if the sale occurs later.
Form 1098-C for larger deductions
If your donated vehicle sells for more than the IRS threshold, Heritage for the Blind issues Form 1098-C. You use that form with your return to substantiate the amount you claim for a non-cash charitable contribution.
Deduction usually equals sale price
In most cases, the amount you can deduct is the gross sale price of the vehicle as reported by Heritage for the Blind. They provide this figure in your acknowledgment or Form 1098-C so you can report it accurately.
You must itemize on Schedule A
To benefit from a tax deduction for your car donation, you need to itemize deductions using Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Consult your tax advisor to confirm what’s best for your situation.
30-day written acknowledgment rule
Heritage for the Blind mails your acknowledgment or Form 1098-C within 30 days of the vehicle’s sale. Keep this with your records; the IRS requires written proof for non-cash donations at or above certain amounts.