If your vehicle is picked up on or before December 31 in Chicagoland, the IRS counts your car donation for this tax year. With Gear Up Giving and Heritage for the Blind, it takes just two minutes to start. Fill out the secure online form or call, we call you back to schedule, and a licensed tow truck comes to you—often the same day or next business day in most Chicago metro areas. You sign the title at pickup, and your deduction is locked in as of that pickup date.
We know Chicago year-end gets hectic—from the Loop and River North to Hyde Park, Pilsen, Logan Square, Oak Park, Evanston, Skokie, Naperville, and beyond. That’s why our process is built for speed. Your car does not need to run, pass inspection, or have current registration. Free pickup is available across the city and suburbs, Monday through Saturday. Proceeds support Heritage for the Blind’s services for people who are blind or visually impaired, and you receive proper IRS documentation after the sale. If you’re ready to donate, take two minutes right now and lock in your year-end tax benefit.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2-minute form or call Gear Up Giving
2 minutesProvide your contact info, basic vehicle details, and preferred pickup location in Chicago or the suburbs—whether you’re in Lincoln Park, Bronzeville, Aurora, or Schaumburg. You can complete the form online in about two minutes, or call to give the same information by phone so we can start your donation immediately.
Get a quick callback to schedule free pickup
Within 1–2 business hours (weekdays)A donation coordinator from Heritage for the Blind calls you back, usually within 1–2 business hours on weekdays, to confirm your details and set a pickup day and time that works for you. We’ll prioritize a pickup date on or before December 31 if you tell us you need this year’s tax deduction.
Free licensed tow truck comes to your address
Same-day or next business day in most areasA professional, licensed tow truck meets you at your home, workplace, or storage lot—whether you’re in Wicker Park, Rogers Park, Cicero, or Tinley Park. In most Chicagoland metro areas, we can arrange same-day or next-business-day pickup, subject to available slots, especially near year-end holidays.
Sign your title at pickup to lock the donation date
5–10 minutes at the vehicleAt pickup, you hand over the keys (if available) and sign the title over to Heritage for the Blind. This physical pickup date is the IRS donation date. As long as your vehicle is picked up on or before December 31, your donation counts for this tax year—even if the sale and final tax paperwork happen later.
Vehicle is sold and IRS acknowledgment is mailed
Within 30 days of saleYour vehicle is transported, processed, and sold. Heritage for the Blind mails you IRS Form 1098-C or a written acknowledgment within 30 days of the sale. You use this documentation, along with the pickup date, when you file your itemized return to claim your charitable deduction.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Pickup date = IRS donation date
For vehicle donations, the IRS treats the date your car is transferred (pickup with signed title) as the donation date. If your vehicle is picked up on or before December 31, your donation counts for that tax year, even if the sale happens later.
Form 1098-C for larger deductions
If your vehicle sells for more than the IRS threshold, Heritage for the Blind issues Form 1098-C. This form documents the sale price and donation details so you can properly claim your deduction on your federal income tax return.
Deduction generally equals sale price
In most cases, the IRS limits your vehicle donation deduction to the actual sale price received by the charity. That final sale price is what appears on your 1098-C or written acknowledgment and what you report on Schedule A when itemizing.
30-day written acknowledgment window
Heritage for the Blind mails your Form 1098-C or written acknowledgment within 30 days of selling your vehicle. Keep this document with your tax records as proof of your charitable contribution and the amount you are claiming.
Itemizing on Schedule A required
To benefit from a federal tax deduction for your car donation, you must itemize deductions using Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Consult your tax advisor to confirm how a vehicle donation fits into your specific tax situation.