In Virginia, the IRS uses the pickup date as your official car-donation date. If your vehicle is physically towed away on or before December 31, your donation counts for this tax year—even if the car is sold and your tax receipt (Form 1098‑C or written acknowledgment) arrives weeks later. With AutoHeritage Donate, you can start in two minutes, get a callback within hours on weekdays, and usually schedule a free pickup as soon as the same day in major Virginia areas.
AutoHeritage Donate benefits Heritage for the Blind, a registered 501(c)(3) supporting people who are blind or visually impaired. We handle everything for Virginia donors—from Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, and Tysons, to Richmond, Henrico, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Roanoke, and beyond. Your car does not need to run, pass inspection, or have current registration. Our licensed towing partners come to your driveway, apartment lot, or workplace. If you’re ready to lock in your year-end tax deduction, start the simple online form or call now, and we’ll move your Virginia pickup into the calendar before December 31 whenever dispatch space allows.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2‑minute donation form or call
2 minutesShare your contact details, Virginia pickup address, and basic vehicle info online, or call AutoHeritage Donate benefiting Heritage for the Blind. It usually takes under two minutes. As soon as you submit, our team can begin working to place your pickup before the December 31 IRS cutoff.
Coordinator calls you back to lock in pickup
Within 1–2 business hoursOn weekdays, a donation coordinator calls you back within 1–2 business hours to confirm your details and offer the earliest available free tow slot. In most Virginia metro areas, we can schedule same-day or next-business-day pickup, subject to December availability.
Free tow truck arrives at your Virginia address
Same-day or next business day in most metrosA licensed towing partner meets you at your home, office, or storage lot in areas like Northern Virginia, Richmond, Hampton Roads, or Roanoke. This physical pickup date is what the IRS treats as your donation date—so a December 31 tow locks in this year’s deduction.
Sign your Virginia title and hand over the keys
5–10 minutes at pickupAt the truck’s arrival, you sign your Virginia title over to Heritage for the Blind’s authorized agent. The driver will guide you on where to sign. No inspection, emissions test, or repairs are required, and the vehicle does not need to be running or recently registered.
Vehicle sale and mailed tax acknowledgment
Within 30 days of saleYour donated vehicle is transported, processed, and sold. Within 30 days of the sale, you’ll receive IRS Form 1098‑C or a written acknowledgment by mail for your records. Your deduction is based on the sale price or IRS-allowed fair market value rules.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 pickup = this year’s deduction
For car donations, the IRS uses the date the charity takes possession. If your vehicle is towed on or before December 31 in Virginia, your contribution counts for this tax year, even if the sale and paperwork finish later.
Form 1098‑C and written acknowledgment
When your donated vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind sends you IRS Form 1098‑C or a written acknowledgment within 30 days of the sale. You use this document to substantiate your deduction with your federal income tax return.
Deduction generally equals sale price
In most cases, your allowable federal tax deduction is the gross sale price the charity receives for your vehicle. There are limited exceptions where fair market value can be used; consult your tax advisor or IRS Publication 4303 for details.
Itemizing on Schedule A
To claim a car-donation deduction, you typically must itemize your deductions on Schedule A of your federal tax return. Keep your 1098‑C or acknowledgment with your records in case the IRS requests documentation later.
30‑day receipt window
Heritage for the Blind is required to send your acknowledgment within 30 days of the vehicle’s sale. This can be well into the new year, but it does not change the tax year of your donation if the actual pickup happened by December 31.