If you want your car donation to count for this year’s taxes, the key date is pickup — not when it’s sold. With Tennessee Auto Legacy in Knoxville, your deduction is locked in on the day your vehicle is physically picked up. Complete our quick online form or call now, and we’ll schedule a free licensed tow. When your car is collected on or before December 31, the IRS treats that pickup date as your donation date for this tax year.
We coordinate donations for Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) serving people who are blind or visually impaired (EIN 58-2164446). We know Knoxville Metro and surrounding communities — from West Knoxville, Bearden, Fountain City and Halls to Farragut, Powell, Maryville, Oak Ridge and Sevierville. Your vehicle doesn’t need to run, pass inspection, or have current registration. You get fast, local-feeling service; they receive vital support. Year‑end pickup slots fill up quickly in December, especially between Christmas and New Year’s, so start now to reserve the day and time that work best for you.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2‑minute form or call Tennessee Auto Legacy
2 minutesProvide your contact info, vehicle details, and preferred pickup window, or call to give the information by phone. This locks in your intent to donate and gets your request into our Knoxville Metro dispatch queue for a year‑end pickup date.
Coordinator calls back to confirm and schedule pickup
Within 1–2 business hoursOn weekdays, a donation coordinator for Heritage for the Blind calls you back within 1–2 hours to confirm your details and set a specific free pickup time. We’ll aim for same‑day or next‑business‑day towing where available in Knoxville Metro.
Free licensed tow truck arrives at your address
Same day or next business day in most metro areasA fully licensed tow partner comes to your home, workplace, or storage lot in the Knoxville area. Non‑running, damaged, or older vehicles are fine. No emissions test, inspection, or repairs are required for pickup or acceptance.
Sign the title and complete donation at pickup
About 5–10 minutes at the truckYou sign the title over to complete the donation while the driver is there. This is the key deadline moment: the physical pickup date in December — including December 31 — is what the IRS uses as your official donation date for this tax year.
Vehicle sold and tax acknowledgment mailed to you
Within 30 days of saleYour vehicle is transported, processed, and sold. Heritage for the Blind sends you IRS Form 1098‑C or a written acknowledgment within 30 days of the sale. You use this receipt with your tax return to substantiate your charitable deduction.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Pickup date = your IRS donation date
For vehicle donations, the IRS treats the date the charity (or its agent) takes possession as the donation date. If your car is picked up on or before December 31, it applies to this tax year’s itemized charitable deductions.
Form 1098‑C documents vehicle donations
For most vehicle donations, the charity issues IRS Form 1098‑C or a similar written acknowledgment. It shows key information like the vehicle identification and gross sale price, which supports the deduction claimed on your return.
Deduction generally equals the sale price
In many cases, your allowable deduction is the amount the vehicle sells for, not a price guide estimate. The sale amount will be listed on Form 1098‑C or your acknowledgment, and that’s the figure you provide on Schedule A.
You must itemize on Schedule A
To claim a tax benefit from your car donation, you generally must itemize deductions on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Your tax professional can help you determine which option is better for your situation.
30‑day deadline for your donation receipt
Heritage for the Blind will send your Form 1098‑C or written acknowledgment within 30 days of selling your vehicle. Keep this with your tax records; you’ll need it to substantiate your deduction if the IRS ever asks for proof.