Donate your car and show your support of Project M.U.S.I.C.™!
Interested in donating your vehicle to an organization you believe in? It's
easy to make a contribution that supports Project M.U.S.I.C.™!
Here's how it works:
- Just call Toll-Free 866-62-MUSIC (866-626-8742) or email at your
convenience donations@charitableautoresources.com to speak to a
C.A.R.S. Vehicle Donation Representative. Our Representative will schedule
a pickup that's convenient
for you, and provide you with confirmation of your donation.
- If the gross proceeds from the sale of your donated vehicle are $500
or more and if you provide your social security number to our
Representative at the time of your donation, you will also receive an IRS tax
form 1098C
stating the sale price of the vehicle. This amount is what you actually claim
on the itemized tax return.
- According to the tax law effective January 1, 2005, if the claimed
value of the donated vehicle exceeds $500, the taxpayer is limited to the
gross proceeds of the sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What are the benefits of donating my car to Project M.U.S.I.C.™?
Project M.U.S.I.C.™ benefits by receiving a cash donations to fund new and
existing
programs and increase community awareness through local events.
You benefit by being able to reduce your taxable income when taxes
are itemized.
Plus you avoid the costs associated with selling your car. No need to pay
for advertising,
no loss of privacy and possible security risk, and no need to pay for vehicle
registration,
insurance, and repairs to keep your car in running condition while you wait
for a
buyer.
Does my car have to be running to donate it?
No. In some cases we can take your car, running or not. However, it must
have an
engine and be tow-able. Contact a representative at 866-62-MUSIC (866-
626-8742 to
find out if your
vehicle qualifies for pick-up.
Do you only accept cars for donation?
Many types of motor vehicles are accepted including boats, motorcycles,
trucks, and
cars, motor-homes, airplanes, time-shares, and even houses. If you are
uncertain as to
whether or not your vehicle is eligible, please contact the vehicle donation
program toll
free at 866-62-MUSIC (866-626-8742.
How long will it take to pick up my vehicle?
We make donating your car as simple and convenient as possible. In some
cases, if we
receive your call early in the day, a same-day pick can be available. A tow
company will
contact you within two to three business days. Call our representatives at
866-62-MUSIC (866-626-8742.
Do I have to be with the vehicle at the time of pick-up?
No. Special arrangements can be made by calling our representatives.
What paperwork do I need?
The only paperwork needed is a signed, clear title. Have your title with you
when you
call-in your donation. [Please note: a clear title indicates the title is in the
name of the
donor without a lien].
Do I need a smog certificate in order to donate my car?
For states that require smog certificates or safety inspections, you may
donate your
vehicle without these documents.
What if I receive legal notices?
In the rare event that you receive any notification of a lien sale, DMV
action, or other
activity related to your donated vehicle, please contact us at 866-62-
MUSIC (866-626-8742
immediately for assistance.
Tax Questions
How does the new law effect my tax deduction?
You will receive IRS Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats,
and
Airplanes if the proceeds from the sale exceed $500, stating the amount of
the gross
proceeds from the sale of the donated vehicle.
Will I get a tax receipt for my donation?
Yes, you will receive an IRS Form 1098C in the event that the sale of the
vehicle exceeds
$500. If the vehicle does not exceed $500, the thank you letter that you
will receive can
used as a tax receipt.
What can I claim as a deduction?
According to the tax law effective January 1, 2005, if the claimed value of
the donated
vehicle exceeds $500, the taxpayer is limited to the gross proceeds of the
sale.
An IRS Form 1098-C, "Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and
Airplanes" will
be mailed to you within 30 days of the sale stating the amount of gross
proceeds
received from your car, provided your vehicle sold for more than $500 and
you have
submitted your social security number. This will be your tax receipt for
your charitable
contribution.
How is the value determined on the vehicle donated?
The value is determined by the gross proceeds raised from the sale of the
donated
vehicle.
What if my car is valued over $5000?
Effective January 1, 2005, you are no longer required to have vehicles
appraised. The
value you may claim will be the amount of gross proceeds received from
your
vehicle.