In New Jersey, your car donation only counts for this tax year if the vehicle is physically picked up on or before December 31. The IRS uses the pickup date as your donation date — simply scheduling a tow is not enough. To be safe, Revive the Ride recommends New Jersey donors schedule 3–5 business days before December 31 so Heritage for the Blind can confirm a pickup slot and you can confidently claim this year’s deduction.
Revive the Ride partners with Heritage for the Blind, a real 501(c)(3) charity, to provide free vehicle pickup across New Jersey — from Newark, Jersey City, and Paterson to Trenton, Cherry Hill, Edison, Toms River, the Shore, and beyond. Tow trucks operate Monday–Saturday through the holiday season, and we accept most vehicles running or not, with no inspection or repairs needed. After your car sells, you’ll receive the written acknowledgment you need for your taxes (IRS Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500). But your deduction year is locked in by that actual pickup date. If you want this year’s tax benefit, now is the time to schedule.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2-minute form or call Revive the Ride
2 minutesShare your contact info, vehicle details, and New Jersey pickup address — whether you’re in Hoboken, Princeton, Atlantic City, or out in Sussex County. It takes about two minutes, and there’s no obligation. Tell us you need pickup completed by December 31 for this year’s tax deduction.
Lock in a pickup day before December 31
5-10 minutesA Heritage for the Blind scheduling specialist will call to confirm your free tow. To beat the IRS cutoff, request a date at least 3–5 business days before December 31. We’ll work around your schedule, Monday–Saturday, across North, Central, and South Jersey.
Prepare your title and vehicle (running or not)
10-15 minutesClear personal items from the car and have the New Jersey title ready. No need to fix anything — we accept non-running vehicles, no inspection required. Park it where the tow truck can reach it easily in your driveway, lot, or curbside spot.
Meet the tow driver and complete pickup
20-30 minutesOn pickup day, the driver will quickly review paperwork and load your car. Once it’s on the truck on or before December 31, the IRS considers your vehicle donated for this tax year. In some cases, we can arrange a contactless pickup if needed.
Receive your tax receipt after the vehicle sells
Within weeks of saleHeritage for the Blind will sell your vehicle, then mail you a written acknowledgment. For vehicles over $500, you’ll receive IRS Form 1098-C. Keep this with your records to claim your deduction for the year of pickup on your Schedule A.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 pickup determines your deduction year
The IRS treats the physical pickup date as your donation date. If your car is towed away on or before December 31, you may claim the deduction for that tax year, even if it sells and paperwork arrives the following year.
Written acknowledgment and IRS Form 1098-C
After your car sells, Heritage for the Blind will mail a written acknowledgment. For vehicles valued over $500, you’ll receive IRS Form 1098-C, which shows the gross sale price and is required to substantiate your charitable vehicle deduction.
Deduction usually equals the sale price
In most cases, the IRS limits your vehicle donation deduction to the actual sale price reported by the charity on Form 1098-C. Discuss any special situations with your tax advisor, especially if the vehicle is used directly by the charity.
Itemizing on Schedule A is required
To benefit from a car donation deduction, you generally must itemize deductions on Schedule A of your federal tax return. If you take the standard deduction, you typically won’t claim an additional deduction for the vehicle.
30-day rule for your receipt
The charity generally must provide your written acknowledgment — or Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500 — within 30 days of the vehicle’s sale or disposition. Keep this document with your records to support your deduction if the IRS asks.