We have all probably been in this situation; you bring your car in to the shop for what you hope is a minor repair, when the mechanic comes to you to say your car needs expensive work. Your reaction is to scream, "The cost is just too damn high"? Now what do you do? Well, you have a few choices.
You can pay the piper and get your car fixed. The question, of course is;"Is it worth it to fix my car?" If the answer is no or probably not, then there are some other things you can do with your car. You can trade it in for a new or better used car. Unfortunately, you may not get a particularly good trade in amount for the car if it does need significant repairs. You will have the same problem if you try to sell your car privately by advertising it the paper or on line. It is extremely difficult to get a decent price for a car that needs major repair. Even if your car is drivable, you have a legal obligation to tell the prospective buyer of any problems you are aware of. If your car is really in bad condition, you can probably get a few dollars for it from a local junk yard.
If you itemize on your federal income tax return, you will get at least a $500 tax deduction if you donate your car to a charity. Sadly, many charities will not let you donate your car if it does not run, is in poor shape or is over 10 years old. Fortunately, one charity; Cars4Charities does not care how old your car is, whether it runs or not or what condition it is in; they will proudly accept it as it is. Their simple requirements are that you have a title that is free of liens for your car, that the car is not stripped of any of its parts, that the tires are inflated and that the car is parked in a place where it can easily be towed.
Cars4Charities is recognized by the IRS as a 501 (c) (3) charity. Therefore, you be assured that they will handle your car donation properly and professionally. In return for your charitable contribution, you will get you a tax deduction of $500 or what Cars4Charities sells your car donation for, whatever amount is greater. They will also provide you with the forms you will need to submit with you taxes so that you can claim your valuable tax deduction.
Cars4Charities also allows you to donate car completely on line at any time through their website, http://www.cars4charities.org/. This option greatly lowers their expenses enabling them to give more money to the charity you choose from their list of participating charities. It is also far better for our environment because it greatly reduces the use of paper and other consumables. If your car is in poor condition, Cars4Charities will make sure it is recycled properly.
For complete details on how to donate car, please contact Cars4Charities through their website http://www.cars4charities.org/ or by calling them toll free at 1-866-448-3487.
Author Resource:
Karen Campese is the Co-founder and CEO of Cars4Charities, a not for profit car donation center. They have over 1,000 respected charities that you can donate car to. When you donate your car , you get a tax deduction and help a good cause.