Donating your car in Chicago and want the tax deduction this year? Here’s the bottom line: the IRS deadline is December 31, and your vehicle must be picked up by December 31 for it to count for this tax year. With Gear Up Giving, working with Heritage for the Blind, you get free towing Monday–Saturday across Chicagoland, including Christmas week. Call or complete our 2-minute form by December 27–28 to guarantee a December 31 pickup slot in most metro areas. Same-day or next-day pickups are often available when you contact us before early afternoon on weekdays.
We’re local to the way Chicago moves. Whether your car is in Lakeview, Bronzeville, Logan Square, Hyde Park, or parked out in Oak Park, Evanston, Schaumburg, Naperville, or Tinley Park, your donation supports Heritage for the Blind’s services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Your vehicle doesn’t need to run, and you don’t have to handle repairs or inspections. Just have your signed Illinois title ready, schedule your free tow, and we’ll handle the rest—so you beat the December 31 IRS cutoff and start the new year knowing you did something good right here from Chicagoland.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesCall Gear Up Giving or complete our quick online form with your contact info, vehicle location, and basic details. In about two minutes, you’ll trigger the process to secure a pickup time before the December 31 IRS deadline in Chicagoland.
Lock in your December pickup date
5 minutesOur scheduling team confirms your preferred day and time, Monday–Saturday. Call by December 27–28 to lock in a December 31 slot in the Chicago area. We’ll email or text your confirmation so you know your deduction is on track for this tax year.
Get your free Chicago-area tow
30–60 minutes at pickupOn pickup day, our driver comes to your home, garage, alley, or parking lot anywhere in Chicagoland—city or suburbs. Your car can be non-running or damaged. Towing is always free, and there’s no inspection or repairs required before we haul it away.
Sign over the title and hand off keys
5–10 minutesYou’ll sign your Illinois title to complete the transfer and hand the driver your keys (if you have them). Once the tow truck leaves with your vehicle on or before December 31, your donation date for IRS purposes is locked in for this tax year.
Receive your tax receipt from Heritage for the Blind
Within 30 days of saleAfter your vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind mails you a written acknowledgment and IRS Form 1098‑C for qualifying donations. This document shows the sale price (or other allowable amount) so you can claim your deduction when you file and itemize.
Year-end tax deduction facts
December 31 pickup = this year’s deduction
For your car donation to count for this tax year, the vehicle must be picked up—or otherwise legally transferred—by December 31. Scheduling alone isn’t enough; Gear Up Giving makes sure your tow happens on time when you contact us early.
IRS Form 1098-C for larger donations
If your vehicle sells for more than the IRS reporting threshold, Heritage for the Blind will issue Form 1098‑C. This form documents the sale price or allowable value and is required to substantiate larger non-cash vehicle deductions with your tax return.
Deduction usually equals sale price
In most cases, the amount you can deduct is the gross sale price Heritage for the Blind receives for your vehicle. This will be listed on your written acknowledgment or Form 1098‑C, which you should keep with your records when you file Schedule A.
You must itemize on Schedule A
To claim a car donation deduction, you generally need to itemize deductions on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Keep your receipt from Heritage for the Blind with your tax paperwork and consult your tax advisor when filing.
30-day written acknowledgment requirement
Heritage for the Blind will send you a written acknowledgment—often within 30 days after the vehicle is sold. This document includes key details the IRS requires, such as a description of your car and how the charity used or sold the vehicle.