Retire a Peoria County Vehicle the Generous Way

Yes. Charities that accept vehicle donations contract with tow operators who are paid out of the eventual sale or use of the car. The donor pays nothing for pickup, whether the car runs or not.

Most charities sell donated vehicles — at auction, through a partner dealer, or directly — and direct the proceeds to their programs. Some charities use a donated car directly for fleet or client transportation. The receiving charity can confirm its intended use before pickup.

A charitable deduction only lowers taxes for filers who itemize. A donor taking the standard deduction still ends the vehicle's carrying costs and supports the chosen cause, but the deduction itself would not apply to that return.

Pickup is often scheduled within a few days of the initial contact. The IRS Form 1098-C documenting the deduction is generally mailed within 30 days of the vehicle being sold, or within 30 days of the donation if the charity intends to use the car directly.

Cars, trucks, SUVs, minivans, motorcycles, RVs, boats on trailers, jet skis, ATVs, and snowmobiles are all commonly accepted. Acceptance of unusual vehicles is confirmed by the receiving charity when pickup is scheduled.