The IRS counts your vehicle donation on the date your car is actually picked up – not the day you schedule it. To claim a deduction for this tax year, your car must be physically towed away on or before December 31. With AutoLift Tampa, powered by Heritage for the Blind, that means you should book your pickup at least 3–5 business days before Dec 31 so we can secure a spot with our Monday–Saturday holiday dispatch.
AutoLift Tampa offers fast, free towing anywhere in the Tampa Bay area – from Tampa Palms, Seminole Heights, and Westchase to Brandon, Riverview, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg. We accept most vehicles, including non-running cars, with no inspections or repairs required. After your vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment (and IRS Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500). Your deduction year is still based on the pickup date, not the date the paperwork arrives. If you’re in Tampa Bay and want this year’s tax benefit, now is the time to schedule your year-end car donation.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2-minute donation form or call
2 minutesShare your contact info, basic vehicle details, and Tampa Bay pickup location. It really takes about two minutes. The sooner you reach out in December, the easier it is to reserve a pickup slot before the Dec 31 IRS deadline.
Choose your pickup day and window
5 minutesOur team reviews your request and works with you to set a pickup day and time window. To safely lock in a current-year deduction, aim to schedule your tow at least 3–5 business days before December 31.
Confirm your pre–Dec 31 pickup is locked in
5 minutesOnce we confirm your Monday–Saturday pickup date and location in Tampa Bay, you’re set. Remember: your deduction year is based on the actual pickup date, so be sure your appointment is on or before Dec 31.
Prepare keys, title (if available), and access
10 minutesClear personal items from the car, have keys ready, and locate your title if you have it. The vehicle doesn’t need to run. Just make sure our tow truck can access it in your driveway, carport, or apartment lot.
Pickup day: donation date for IRS purposes
15–30 minutesOur driver arrives at your Tampa Bay address, completes a quick handoff, and tows your car at no cost to you. This pickup day is the official IRS donation date that determines which tax year your deduction applies to.
Receive your written acknowledgment and tax forms
VariesAfter your vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment and, when required, IRS Form 1098-C. These documents confirm your donation amount and are used when you file your itemized tax return.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 pickup = this year’s deduction
The IRS treats the day your car is actually picked up by the charity’s tow company as the donation date. If your vehicle is towed away on or before December 31, you may claim the deduction for that tax year.
Scheduling isn’t enough – pickup must happen
Simply calling or filling out the form before year-end does not set the donation date. The vehicle must be physically picked up by December 31. That’s why scheduling 3–5 business days early is so important.
Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500
If your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind will issue IRS Form 1098-C. This form reports the gross proceeds and supports your deduction when you file your itemized federal tax return.
Deduction usually equals sale price
In most cases, the IRS limits your vehicle donation deduction to the amount the charity receives when the vehicle is sold. Your written acknowledgment or Form 1098-C will show that sale amount for your records.
You must itemize to claim the deduction
Vehicle donations are generally claimed as a charitable deduction on Schedule A when you itemize. Consult your tax advisor to confirm how your AutoLift Tampa donation fits your overall year-end tax planning.