To claim your car donation as a 2024 tax deduction, the key in New Jersey is simple: contact Revive the Ride and schedule your pickup on or before December 31. Once your vehicle sells, you’ll generally deduct the actual sale price (not Kelley Blue Book). For vehicles that sell for over $500, Heritage for the Blind, the 501(c)(3) that benefits from Revive the Ride’s program, mails you IRS Form 1098-C. For vehicles at $500 or below, you receive a written acknowledgment you can use to deduct up to $500 or the fair market value, whichever is lower—if you itemize on Schedule A.
We make it easy for donors across New Jersey—from Jersey City, Newark, and Hoboken to Edison, Woodbridge, Paramus, Cherry Hill, and along the Shore in Toms River, Atlantic City, and Long Branch. There’s no inspection, no repairs, and non-running cars are welcome. You’ll get a pickup confirmation as proof of your donation date, then your tax receipt after the sale, typically within 30 days. Proceeds support Heritage for the Blind’s services for people who are blind or visually impaired. You get potential tax savings; your neighbors in New Jersey get critical help. Start now so your donation clearly falls within this tax year.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2-minute form or call Revive the Ride
2 minutesEnter your contact info, New Jersey pickup address, and basic vehicle details, or call to give the same info by phone. Doing this before December 31 is what anchors your donation to this tax year. No title questions? We’ll help you understand next steps.
Lock in your New Jersey pickup date
5-10 minutesOur dispatch (Monday–Saturday in most NJ areas) contacts you quickly to schedule a convenient free pickup in places like Bergen, Middlesex, Monmouth, Camden, or Essex Counties. You choose a day/time; we confirm so you can plan around work and holiday schedules.
Hand over keys and keep your pickup confirmation
10-15 minutesOn pickup day, you sign the title (if required), hand over the keys, and receive a tow receipt or confirmation. Keep this as proof of your donation date for your records, especially if your pickup is close to December 31. Your vehicle is towed away at no cost.
We sell your car and handle IRS paperwork
Within 30 days of saleRevive the Ride arranges the sale of your vehicle. When it sells, Heritage for the Blind prepares either IRS Form 1098-C (for sales over $500) or a written acknowledgment (for $500 or less). This document states the gross sale price and other required IRS details.
Claim your deduction when you file your return
When you do your taxesYou (or your tax professional) use the 1098-C or acknowledgment to claim your deduction. You must itemize on Schedule A. For vehicles over $500, you generally deduct the gross sale price; for $500 or less, you may deduct up to $500 or fair market value, whichever is lower.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Deduction equals the sale price, not book value
For most car donations, the IRS requires you to use the actual gross sale price once Revive the Ride sells your vehicle, not Kelley Blue Book or another estimate. Your 1098-C or acknowledgment will show that sale price for your tax return.
When you get IRS Form 1098-C
If your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind mails you IRS Form 1098-C. This form lists the sale price and other required information, and is what you or your preparer will use to support your charitable deduction over $500.
Vehicles at $500 or below
If your vehicle sells for $500 or less, you receive a written acknowledgment instead of Form 1098-C. In that case, you may generally deduct up to $500 or the fair market value, whichever is lower, as long as you itemize deductions on Schedule A.
Itemizing on Schedule A is required
To benefit from a car donation tax deduction, you must itemize your deductions on Schedule A. If you take the standard deduction, the car donation will not reduce your taxable income. A tax professional can help you decide which approach fits your situation.
December 31 controls the tax year
For federal tax purposes, your donation counts in the year you make the gift, generally when you transfer the vehicle—usually at pickup. Scheduling and completing your donation by December 31 is what allows you to claim it on that year’s New Jersey federal return.