The IRS deadline is firm: your vehicle must be picked up by 11:59 p.m. on December 31 to qualify for a tax deduction this year. With AutoLift Tampa, working with Heritage for the Blind, pickups run Monday–Saturday all through December—including Christmas week—with same-day or next-day towing in most Tampa Bay areas when you contact us before early afternoon. To safely lock in a December 31 pickup slot, call or submit the 2-minute form by December 27–28. Your car, truck, SUV, or van is towed free, running or not, as long as you have a signed title.
We’re local to Tampa Bay and understand year-end crunch time. Whether you’re in South Tampa, Carrollwood, New Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, Westchase, Town ‘N’ Country, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, or anywhere across Hillsborough, Pinellas, or Pasco, we’ll work fast to schedule your pickup. There’s no inspection, no repairs, and no cost to you. You get a tax receipt; Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, uses proceeds to support services for people who are blind or visually impaired. If you want this year’s deduction, now is the moment—start your donation in just minutes and relax knowing your December 31 deadline is covered.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your 2-minute form or call
2 minutesShare your Tampa Bay location, basic vehicle details, and how to reach you. It truly takes about two minutes. Do this by December 27–28 to comfortably reserve a December 31 pickup window for this tax year.
Confirm title and pickup window
5 minutesHave your signed Florida title ready. Our scheduling team confirms your Monday–Saturday pickup day and time, including Christmas week, at your home, work, or storage lot anywhere around Tampa, St. Pete, or Clearwater.
Free towing in Tampa Bay
Same-day or next-day in most areasA professional tow driver meets you at the chosen time to pick up your vehicle—running or not—with no cost to you. In many Tampa Bay neighborhoods, we can handle same-day or next-day pickups if you contact us before early afternoon.
Receive your initial tax receipt
At pickupAt the time of pickup, you receive an initial donation receipt noting the vehicle information and date. That date—no later than December 31—is what locks in your deduction for the current tax year with the IRS.
Vehicle sale and IRS-compliant paperwork
Within a few weeksHeritage for the Blind arranges the sale of your donated vehicle. You receive follow-up documentation, and if required, IRS Form 1098-C, to support your deduction when you file your federal return and Schedule A.
Year-end tax deduction facts
December 31 controls the tax year
For IRS purposes, your donation counts for the year in which the charity takes possession. That means your vehicle must be fully picked up by December 31 for you to claim the deduction on this year’s tax return.
Deduction is based on sale price
In most cases, your federal tax deduction equals the amount Heritage for the Blind receives when your car is sold, not its Blue Book value. You’ll receive documentation stating the gross sale price for your records.
Form 1098-C for larger donations
If your vehicle sells for more than the IRS threshold, the charity issues IRS Form 1098-C. You attach the information from this form to support your deduction when you file your federal income tax return.
Itemizing on Schedule A
To use your car donation as a federal tax deduction, you generally must itemize your deductions on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. A tax professional can help you determine which is better for you.
30-day written acknowledgment
The charity typically sends a written acknowledgment within about 30 days of the vehicle’s sale. This document includes key details—such as the sale amount—that you should keep with your tax records in case of IRS questions.