In Indianapolis, the IRS counts your vehicle donation on the day it’s physically picked up, not the day you call. That means your car must be towed or driven away on or before December 31 to claim the deduction on this tax year’s return. With Indy Car Connect, powered by Heritage for the Blind (a 501(c)(3) charity), you can schedule a free pickup in just a couple of minutes and get on the calendar before year-end. We recommend booking 3–5 business days before December 31 so we can confirm a slot that meets the IRS deadline.
We’re local to the Indy Metro and understand how busy the holidays get. Whether your car is in Broad Ripple, Fountain Square, Irvington, Nora, Speedway, Lawrence, Greenwood, Carmel, Fishers, or anywhere across Marion County and surrounding suburbs, our team coordinates fast, no-cost pickup Monday through Saturday during the holiday season. Non-running vehicles are welcome; no emissions test, no repairs, and no inspection are required. After your vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind will mail your written acknowledgment (and IRS Form 1098-C if it’s valued over $500). Your deduction year is locked in by the pickup date, not when that form arrives. Donate now, clear your driveway, and support services for people who are blind or visually impaired—while securing your year-end tax benefit.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesSubmit our quick online form or call Indy Car Connect with your vehicle details and Indianapolis pickup location. It truly takes about two minutes. Have your title handy if you can, but don’t worry if you’re not sure about every detail—we’ll walk you through it.
Choose a pickup day before Dec 31
5 minutesWe’ll check available time slots across the Indy Metro and confirm a pickup date that works for you and falls on or before December 31. To be safe with the IRS cutoff, schedule 3–5 business days before New Year’s Eve whenever possible.
Prepare your car for pickup
10–15 minutesRemove personal items, gather your keys, and locate your title if available. The vehicle doesn’t need to run, pass emissions, or be cleaned. Our towing partner will come to your home, workplace, or storage lot anywhere in Greater Indianapolis at no cost to you.
Vehicle picked up – tax year locked in
15–30 minutesOn pickup day, the driver will complete the tow paperwork and take the vehicle. The IRS treats this pickup date as your official donation date. As long as it’s on or before December 31, it counts for this tax year’s deduction.
Receive your tax acknowledgment by mail
Within weeks after saleAfter your car is sold, Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment and, if the gross sale price exceeds $500, IRS Form 1098-C. Keep these with your records and use them when you file, usually with Schedule A for itemized deductions.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Pickup date controls your tax year
For the IRS, the donation date is when the charity takes possession of your vehicle. If your car is picked up on or before December 31, it generally counts toward this tax year’s return, even if paperwork arrives later.
Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500
If your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind will send you IRS Form 1098-C. This form shows the gross sale price, which typically limits the amount you can deduct for your charitable vehicle donation.
Written acknowledgment usually within 30 days of sale
The charity must send your written acknowledgment (and 1098-C, if required) within 30 days of selling the vehicle. Your deduction year, however, is still based on the pickup date, not when you receive the mail.
Itemizing with Schedule A
To claim a car donation deduction, most taxpayers must itemize deductions on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Check with a tax professional to see if itemizing your charitable gifts makes sense for your situation.
Non-running vehicles can still qualify
The IRS allows deductions for qualifying vehicle donations even if the car doesn’t run, as long as the charity is eligible and you receive proper documentation. Indy Car Connect arranges free towing for non-running cars across the Indy Metro.