In Vermont, the IRS uses the actual pickup date as your donation date – not the day you schedule. That means your vehicle must be physically towed or driven away on or before December 31 to claim the deduction on this year’s taxes. To be safe, Green Wheels recommends booking your free pickup with Heritage for the Blind at least 3–5 business days before December 31. Dispatch runs Monday through Saturday, even through the holiday season, so you still have time – but pickup slots fill quickly as the year ends.
Green Wheels proudly serves donors across Vermont – from Burlington, South Burlington, and Winooski, to Montpelier, Barre, Rutland, Brattleboro, Bennington, St. Albans, and the Upper Valley. Your car doesn’t need to run, and you don’t need inspection, emissions, or repairs. Just a quick call or a 2-minute online form gets things started. Heritage for the Blind, a trusted 501(c)(3), will handle everything: paperwork, free nationwide towing from anywhere in Vermont, and your written acknowledgment for tax purposes. Donate before the year ends, support services for people who are blind or visually impaired, and clear your driveway – all with one simple step.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesFrom anywhere in Vermont, complete the quick online form or call Green Wheels. Share your contact info, vehicle location (home, work, or shop), and basic car details. No title questions or tax knowledge required to start – just tell us where the vehicle is and how to reach you.
Confirm pickup date before Dec 31
Same day schedulingA Heritage for the Blind scheduling specialist will contact you (usually within one business day) to set a pickup time. To lock in this tax year, choose a towing date on or before December 31. They operate Monday–Saturday across Vermont, including the holiday period.
Prepare the car and keys
10–15 minutesRemove personal items, gather the title (if available), and place keys somewhere accessible. The vehicle does not need to run, pass inspection, or be cleaned. Towing is free from driveways, garages, and lots throughout Burlington, Rutland, Montpelier, Brattleboro, and beyond.
Vehicle is picked up – your IRS date is set
Pickup dayWhen the tow truck takes possession of your vehicle on or before December 31, that date becomes your official IRS donation date. The driver will provide a preliminary receipt or tow slip confirming pickup for your records and peace of mind at tax time.
Receive your written tax acknowledgment
Within weeks of saleAfter Heritage for the Blind sells your vehicle, they’ll mail your written acknowledgment. For vehicles over $500, this includes IRS Form 1098-C. The deduction year is based on the pickup date, even if the sale – and your final paperwork – occurs in the following calendar year.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Pickup date controls your deduction year
For IRS purposes, your donation date is the day Heritage for the Blind actually picks up your car, not when you call or fill out the form. A pickup on or before December 31 counts for this calendar year’s tax return.
Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500
If your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind will send you IRS Form 1098-C. This form shows the gross sale price and is used to support your charitable deduction when you itemize on Schedule A.
Your deduction usually equals the sale price
Under IRS rules, your allowable deduction for most vehicle donations is generally the amount the charity receives from selling the car, not a price guide estimate. That final sale price will be clearly listed in your written acknowledgment.
Written acknowledgment within 30 days of sale
The charity must provide a written acknowledgment – including Form 1098-C for eligible vehicles – within 30 days of selling your car. You keep this with your tax records to document the donation and the sale amount you’re deducting.
Itemizing on Schedule A is required
To claim a vehicle donation, you must itemize deductions on Schedule A of your federal tax return. If you take the standard deduction, you generally can’t claim an additional tax benefit for your donated car.