To claim a tax deduction for this year, the IRS counts the date your vehicle is picked up, not the day you call or fill out the form. In the Kansas City Metro, your car must be physically towed away on or before December 31 to qualify as a deduction for this tax year. Wheels for Good, benefiting Heritage for the Blind, offers fast, free pickup Monday–Saturday. To be safe, schedule your donation at least 3–5 business days before December 31 so our local tow partner can get you on the calendar in time.
We make it easy for Kansas City donors—from Brookside and Waldo to Overland Park, Olathe, Lee’s Summit, Independence, and North Kansas City. There’s no inspection, no repairs, and non-running vehicles are welcome. You complete a quick 2-minute form or call, we schedule a convenient pickup window, and you’ll receive your written acknowledgment (and IRS Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500) after the car sells. But your deduction year is locked in based on the actual pickup date. If you want this year’s tax benefit, now is the time to schedule your Kansas City pickup.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesComplete our quick online form or call to donate from anywhere in the Kansas City Metro—Plaza, Shawnee, Blue Springs, Raytown, Liberty, and beyond. Have your title (if available) and basic vehicle info ready. This fast first step lets us start working to get you a pre–Dec 31 pickup slot.
Choose a pickup day before December 31
5 minutesOur team, on behalf of Heritage for the Blind, will contact you to confirm details and offer pickup windows. To lock in this year’s deduction, select a day on or before December 31. We recommend scheduling 3–5 business days ahead so our Kansas City tow partners can guarantee your spot.
Prepare the car for hassle-free towing
10 minutesOn pickup day, just remove personal items and have your keys and title ready if you have it. The vehicle does not need to run and doesn’t need repairs or inspection. Our local tow driver will handle all loading and paperwork right from your driveway, garage, or parking lot—free of charge.
Pickup completed = this year’s deduction date
On pickup dayWhen the tow truck arrives anywhere in the Kansas City Metro and removes your car on or before December 31, that date becomes your official IRS donation date. This is what determines which tax year you can claim your charitable deduction on Schedule A.
Receive your tax receipt and Form 1098-C (if eligible)
After vehicle sellsAfter your vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind will mail you a written acknowledgment, and for vehicles sold for more than $500, an IRS Form 1098-C. This documentation shows the sale amount and confirms your qualified donation for the tax year tied to your actual pickup date.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Pickup date controls the tax year
For IRS purposes, your donation date is when the vehicle is picked up, not when you call or submit the form. If your car is towed away on or before December 31, you may claim the deduction for that tax year.
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 and supports your itemized deduction when you file with your Schedule A.
Deduction generally equals sale price
In most cases, the amount you can deduct is the vehicle’s gross sale price shown on your acknowledgment or 1098-C. Always keep this with your tax records and consult your tax advisor about how the deduction applies to your situation.
Acknowledgment usually within 30 days of sale
After your vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind typically mails your written acknowledgment (and 1098-C if applicable) within about 30 days of the sale date. The tax year is based on pickup, not when you receive the letter.
You must itemize on Schedule A
Vehicle donations are charitable contributions. To benefit from the tax deduction, you must itemize deductions on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. A tax professional can help you decide which option is best.