Donating your car in Greater Cincinnati before midnight December 31 can still count for this tax year—even if it doesn’t sell until later. Here’s how it works: Revive Wheels arranges free pickup for Heritage for the Blind (EIN 58-2164446) and records your donation date when the tow company collects the vehicle. You keep that pickup confirmation as proof you donated in this tax year. After the car sells, Heritage for the Blind mails you IRS Form 1098-C (for vehicles over $500) showing the actual gross sale price. That sale price is usually the amount you may deduct, if you itemize on Schedule A.
We know donors in Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana want clarity, not fine print. Whether you’re in Hyde Park, Westwood, Oakley, Florence, Mason, Anderson Township, or across the river in Covington or Newport, the process is the same: quick online form or phone call, free pickup (running or not), no inspection or repairs, and straightforward tax documentation mailed within 30 days after the vehicle sells. Our team works Monday–Saturday to get your pickup scheduled fast so you can lock in your year-end donation date and support programs for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your donation (2-minute form or call)
2 minutesEnter your contact info, plate/VIN, and vehicle location in Greater Cincinnati, or call to donate by phone. We confirm basic details and note that you’re making a year-end donation so we prioritize scheduling before December 31 when possible.
Schedule free pickup anywhere in Greater Cincinnati
5 minutesChoose a convenient pickup window, Monday–Saturday, at your home, office, or shop—whether you’re in Clifton, Montgomery, Norwood, Florence, or Covington. The tow driver can collect keys and title; the car does not need to run or pass inspection.
Get your pickup confirmation (locks in donation date)
Day of pickupWhen the tow company picks up your vehicle, they provide a pickup confirmation or tow receipt. This document is your proof of the donation date—crucial for showing that you donated by December 31 for this tax year’s return.
Vehicle sells; Heritage for the Blind prepares tax paperwork
Within weeks after pickupRevive Wheels manages the sale process for Heritage for the Blind. Once your car, truck, or SUV sells at auction or through a licensed dealer, the charity records the exact gross sale price, which is the key number for your potential deduction.
Receive IRS Form 1098-C or written acknowledgment
Within 30 days of saleFor vehicles that sell for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind mails IRS Form 1098-C within 30 days of the sale showing the price you may generally deduct. For $500 or below, you get a written acknowledgment with the info needed for your return.
Claim your deduction on Schedule A
At tax timeShare your 1098-C or acknowledgment with your tax professional. If you itemize on Schedule A, you may be able to deduct the sale price (or in some $500-and-under cases, up to $500 or fair market value, whichever is lower), subject to IRS rules.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Deduction is based on actual sale price
For most donated vehicles, the IRS limits your deduction to the gross sale price Heritage for the Blind receives—not Kelley Blue Book or an estimate. That final sale price appears on IRS Form 1098-C if the vehicle sells for more than $500.
Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500
If your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind mails you IRS Form 1098-C within 30 days of the sale. This form lists the sale price and other required details so you can substantiate your deduction with the IRS.
Special rules for $500-or-below vehicles
If the vehicle sells for $500 or less, you’ll receive a written acknowledgment instead of Form 1098-C. In many cases, you may deduct up to $500 or the vehicle’s fair market value, whichever is lower, if you itemize and meet IRS requirements.
You must itemize on Schedule A
To claim a car donation deduction, you must itemize deductions on Schedule A of your federal tax return. If you use the standard deduction, you generally cannot claim an additional charitable deduction for your donated vehicle.
Donate by Dec 31 to count for this tax year
The key deadline is the donation date, not the sale date. As long as your vehicle is picked up and transferred to the charity by December 31, it’s generally treated as a donation for this tax year, even if it sells in the following calendar year.