Donate your car in Vermont by December 31 and, in most cases, your federal tax deduction equals what it actually sells for – not the Kelley Blue Book value. When Green Wheels processes your donation to benefit Heritage for the Blind (a 501(c)(3), EIN 58-2164446), vehicles that sell for over $500 trigger IRS Form 1098-C. That form, mailed after your car sells, shows the exact gross sale price you may be able to deduct if you itemize on Schedule A. For vehicles that sell for $500 or less, you’ll receive a written acknowledgment, and you may generally deduct up to $500 or the fair market value, whichever is lower. Donate by December 31 to claim it on this year’s return.
We make it simple for Vermont donors. Whether you’re in Burlington, South Burlington, Colchester, Essex, Williston, Rutland, Barre, Montpelier, Brattleboro, Bennington, the Upper Valley, or out in the Northeast Kingdom, we arrange free towing, often within a few days. Non-running cars are welcome—no inspection, no repairs needed. You’ll get a pickup confirmation you should keep as proof of your donation date, and then your 1098-C or written acknowledgment follows by mail within 30 days of sale. You help fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired, and we handle the tax paperwork basics so you can donate with confidence before the year-end deadline.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your Vermont year-end donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesComplete our quick online form or call to donate from anywhere in Vermont—Burlington to Brattleboro. Share your vehicle details and contact info. Once you submit, your donation date is locked in and can count for this tax year if it’s on or before December 31.
Confirm free towing and donation date
5 minutesA towing coordinator contacts you (usually Monday–Saturday) to schedule free pickup at your Vermont address. We accept most vehicles, running or not. Your scheduled pickup and confirmation protect your year-end donation timing; keep a copy of any email or text we send.
Vehicle pickup and proof of donation
15 minutesThe tow driver picks up your car at the agreed Vermont location—home, work, or a repair shop. You hand over the keys and signed title (if required). You’ll receive a pickup confirmation; save this as proof of the date you donated for your tax records.
Sale of your vehicle and tax receipt
Within weeks after saleGreen Wheels arranges the sale of your donated vehicle to benefit Heritage for the Blind. When the vehicle sells, if the gross sale price is over $500, we mail you IRS Form 1098-C. If it’s $500 or less, we send a written acknowledgment you can use for your deduction.
Claim your deduction on your tax return
At tax-filing timeWhen you file, you’ll generally use Schedule A to itemize your deduction. Use your 1098-C or written acknowledgment and keep your pickup confirmation as backup. For advice on your specific situation, consult a Vermont tax professional or preparer.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Deduction equals actual sale price over $500
If your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, the IRS generally limits your deduction to the gross sale price shown on Form 1098-C—not Kelley Blue Book. That’s the number you’ll usually use when you itemize on Schedule A.
Vehicles $500 or less use written acknowledgment
If your vehicle sells for $500 or less, you’ll get a written acknowledgment instead of Form 1098-C. In many cases, you can deduct up to $500 or the fair market value, whichever is lower. Keep this document with your Vermont tax records.
Form 1098-C mailed within 30 days of sale
Once your car is sold, Green Wheels sends you IRS Form 1098-C (for sales over $500) within 30 days of the sale. This form lists your vehicle, the sale date, and gross proceeds and is your primary tax document for the donation.
You must itemize on Schedule A
To benefit from a federal deduction for your Vermont car donation, you generally need to itemize deductions on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. A tax professional can help you decide which approach is best for your situation.
Donate by Dec 31 for this year’s tax return
The IRS looks at your donation date, not when the car sells. As long as your donation is completed by December 31, it typically counts for that tax year. Keep your pickup confirmation as proof of the donation date in case questions arise.