Donate Auto Tax Deduction Information
automobile donation tax information

Truth is not everyone is eligible for a tax deduction when they donate an auto. This site provides actual information and references to assist the automobile donation process.

How to Determine the Fair Market Value when you donate an auto.

How to Determine the Fair Market Value of your donated auto:

Go to the Kelley Blue book site, http://www.kbb.com.

On the first page in the top left paragraph, called "What's My Blue Book Value?" click on the link called "Private Party Value".

On the page that comes up, click on the YEAR of your auto.

On the next page that comes up, click on the MAKE of your auto.

On the next page that comes up, click on the exact MODEL of your auto.

On the next page that comes up there are a series of boxes requiring information. In the top box you are asked for things like the type of engine or whether automatic or manual transmissions, etc. Check these correctly according to your car.

In the next box (down) you need to fill in the Mileage of your auto and your Zip Code.

In the next box down the page, you need to check off the various Options that apply to your car. These are things like Power Steering, air conditioning, cruise control, etc. etc. Check all that apply.

The bottom box is entitled "Select Vehicle Condition". Choose "Rate It" or "Help Me", which is the last box on the right. Kelley Blue Book has changed the name of this button a few times, but it is always the last button on the right and when selected allows you to give a very detailed "rating" of your vehicle. Market Value for your vehicle.

This is important in order to accurately get the Fair Market Value for your vehicle.

After choosing "Rate It" or "Help Me" click on the bottom button called, "Get Pricing Report". This takes you to another page.

On this page you rate the following:

Exterior Condition;

Interior Condition,

Mechanical Condition,

Miscellaneous.

Each of these categories has several aspects of the car's condition to rate. There are usually 3 columns for each of these aspects. Choose one rating for each. Do not skip any of these. You will thus fully rate your car.

When this is done click on "Get Pricing Report" at the bottom of the page.

This takes you to a page that gives the Private Sale Value for your automobile rated exactly as it is, in its current condition.

You should print this page for your tax record.

For full information and different ways of determining the fair market value of an automobile or other vehicle donation visit this webpage.

Donate your automobile to our charity.

The Fair Market Value of your vehicle cannot be determined by a charity; the IRS considers that to be a "conflict of interest". A charity's tax receipt is, however, proof that you made the donation. The vehicle's fair market value has to be determined by you, unless the vehicle has a value of $5000.00 or more, then a certified vehicle appraiser must make that determination.

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