If you’re ready to donate your car in Vermont and want your tax deduction to count for this year, the key is your pickup date. With Green Wheels, run by Heritage for the Blind, your donation date for the IRS is the day the licensed tow truck picks up your vehicle—not the day it’s sold. Schedule and complete pickup on or before December 31, and you lock in a deduction for this tax year. Our 2‑minute form or quick phone call is all it takes to get on the schedule.
We offer fast, free pickup across Vermont—from Burlington, South Burlington and Winooski, to Montpelier, Barre, Rutland, Brattleboro, Bennington, St. Albans, and the Upper Valley. We also serve smaller communities and rural routes off I‑89, I‑91 and Route 7. Your car doesn’t need to run, pass inspection, or have current registration. Heritage for the Blind is a real 501(c)(3) charity, and your donation helps support people who are blind or visually impaired. December pickup slots fill up quickly in Vermont, especially around snowstorms and holidays, so start now to reserve your preferred time.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2‑Minute Form or Call Green Wheels
2 minutesEnter your contact details, Vermont pickup address, and basic vehicle information, or call to give the same info by phone. This locks you into our system and lets us prioritize you for a year‑end pickup before December 31.
Get a Confirmation Call to Schedule Pickup
Within 1–2 hours on weekdaysA Green Wheels coordinator with Heritage for the Blind calls you back—often within 1–2 business hours—to confirm your details and book your free tow. You choose the earliest available slot that works for you, including many same‑day or next‑day times.
Free Tow Truck Arrives at Your Vermont Address
Same day or next business day in most areasA licensed towing partner meets you at home, work, or a shop anywhere we serve in Vermont. For IRS purposes, this pickup day is your donation date. As long as it’s on or before December 31, your deduction applies to this tax year.
Sign the Title and Hand Over the Keys
5–10 minutes at pickupYou sign the title over to Heritage for the Blind (Green Wheels), remove plates if needed under Vermont rules, and give the keys and any related paperwork to the driver. The tow is 100% free, and non‑running or failed‑inspection vehicles are welcome.
Vehicle Sold; Tax Receipt Mailed to You
Receipt within 30 days of saleYour car is transported, processed, and sold. After the sale, Heritage for the Blind mails you a written acknowledgment or IRS Form 1098‑C (for qualifying amounts) within 30 days of the sale, documenting your deduction for your tax records.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Your donation date is the pickup date
For IRS purposes, the charitable contribution happens when Green Wheels (Heritage for the Blind) takes control of your vehicle. That means the actual tow‑truck pickup date—if it’s on or before December 31—locks in this year’s deduction.
Form 1098‑C and written acknowledgment
When required, Heritage for the Blind issues IRS Form 1098‑C after your vehicle is sold, or a written acknowledgment for smaller donations. This letter or form shows the sale value or appropriate amount to support your claimed deduction.
Deduction generally equals sale price
Most donors can deduct the amount the charity actually receives from selling the vehicle, as shown on the 1098‑C or acknowledgment. Always keep this document with your tax records and consult your tax professional for your specific situation.
Itemizing on Schedule A is usually required
To use a charitable car‑donation deduction, many taxpayers must itemize deductions on IRS Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. A tax preparer or advisor can help you decide which approach benefits you most this year.
30‑day receipt timing rule
The IRS allows the charity up to 30 days from the sale date to send your Form 1098‑C or written acknowledgment. You can still claim the deduction for this year as long as the pickup was by December 31, even if the sale happens later.