In Greater Cincinnati, the hard IRS deadline is December 31. Your vehicle must be picked up by December 31 to count for this tax year—scheduling isn’t enough. With Revive Wheels, powered by Heritage for the Blind, you can usually get same-day or next-day pickup Monday–Saturday if you contact us before early afternoon. We run free towing right through Christmas week, including December 31. To virtually guarantee a December 31 pickup slot in the Cincinnati area, call or submit the quick form by December 27. You’ll just need a signed title and about two minutes to lock in your donation.
We know year-end in Cincinnati is hectic—holiday traffic on I-75, last-minute runs to Kenwood, and winter weather rolling in off the river. That’s why we keep the process fast and local-feeling. We pick up in neighborhoods and suburbs across Greater Cincinnati—from Hyde Park, Oakley, and Westwood to Anderson Township, Colerain, Blue Ash, Fairfield, Florence, and more. Your car can be running or not; no repairs or inspection needed. You get free towing, a tax receipt, and the satisfaction of helping Heritage for the Blind serve people who are blind or visually impaired. Take two minutes now and get this year’s deduction locked in before December 31.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your 2-minute form or call
2 minutesShare your contact info, vehicle basics, and Cincinnati pickup location—whether you’re in Clifton, Mason, or across the river in Covington. It truly takes about two minutes. The sooner you reach out (ideally by Dec 27), the more choices you’ll have for a Dec 31 pickup slot.
Confirm your pickup date and time window
5 minutesOur team reviews your info and offers the next available pickup, often same- or next-day Monday–Saturday. We’ll work to secure a date before or on December 31 and clearly explain your time window so you know when the tow truck will arrive in Greater Cincinnati.
Get your signed Ohio title ready
10–15 minutesBefore pickup, sign your Ohio vehicle title (or Kentucky title, if you’re just across the river). We’ll guide you on where to sign and what to bring. Having the signed title ready at the truck visit is essential for completing the donation and qualifying for your tax deduction.
Free pickup anywhere in Greater Cincinnati
30–60 minutesOn your scheduled day, the tow driver meets you at home, work, or a shop—from Price Hill to Milford. Your car can be non-running, damaged, or missing inspection. Towing is always free. Once your vehicle is loaded and paperwork is collected, your year-end donation is officially completed.
Receive your tax receipt and 1098-C (if applicable)
Within 30 days of saleAfter your vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind mails you a written acknowledgment and, for qualifying donations, IRS Form 1098-C. You’ll use this paperwork with your tax professional when you itemize on Schedule A and claim your deduction for this tax year.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 pickup = this year’s deduction
For IRS purposes, your donation counts in the year when the charity takes possession of the vehicle. That means your car must be picked up by December 31, not just scheduled, to deduct it on this year’s federal return.
Form 1098-C for larger deductions
If your vehicle sells for more than the IRS reporting threshold, Heritage for the Blind issues Form 1098-C. You’ll attach this form to your return when you itemize to document the sale price and support your charitable deduction.
Your deduction is usually the sale price
In most cases, the IRS limits your deduction to the gross proceeds from the charity’s sale of your vehicle. This amount appears on your receipt or Form 1098-C, and is what you’ll claim on Schedule A when itemizing deductions.
30-day written acknowledgment
Heritage for the Blind will send you a written acknowledgment—often including 1098-C, when required—within about 30 days after the vehicle is sold. Keep this document with your records; it’s your proof of donation and the value you can claim.
Itemizing on Schedule A
To benefit from a car donation tax deduction, you generally need to itemize deductions on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. A tax professional can help you decide whether itemizing with your car donation makes sense.