Yes. The St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin County is a 501 (c) (3) charity, so your donation is a charitable contribution that can be deducted from your taxes if you itemize deductions. Since not all tax laws apply to all people, go to www.irs.gov for current tax laws and links to IRS publications. This IRS brochure is a Donor's Guide to Vehicle Donations http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4303.pdf.
Do you use a “third party vendor” to run your car donation program?
No! This is probably the most important question you should ask before donating your car to any charitable organization. Third-party vendors are for-profit companies hired by non-profit organizations to collect and dispose of donated cars. These vendors take a significant commission, which can greatly reduce the amount of money going to the charity. Often, these vendors take your car immediately to a dismantler or wholesale auction house, further reducing the amount of money your vehicle may earn. Because your tax deduction is based on the amount of money your vehicle garners, using third party vendors may significantly reduce your tax deduction.
Here at the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin County, we run our own auto donation program. Unlike any other non-profit in Marin, the Society has our own charity car lot where we inspect, repair (if needed) and sell many donated cars directly to local residents. By running our own program, we can minimize costs, maximize funds to feed hungry people, and make your tax deduction our priority.
Who will come to my house to pick up my vehicle?
At the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin County, we can tell you exactly who will pick up your car. It is Bill Eberhart, a longtime Marin resident and car expert who has spearheaded our vehicle program for fifteen years. Bill receives rave reviews from our vehicle donors for his professionalism and helpfulness. Other charities use third party vendors, making it impossible to know the background or credentials of the person who will be sent to your home to pick up your vehicle.
How much will you receive from my vehicle donation?
Because we are not a third party vendor, every car that is donated will earn money for our Free Dining Room, which feeds hungry people in Marin 365 days of the year.
Is it possible that my designated charity will receive no money?
At the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin, the answer is an unequivocal “no.” Every car donated will generate some money for the Society. With other car programs, the charity receives net proceeds after the cost of processing, picking up, preparing and auctioning your vehicle. If the car brings in only enough to pay the third party vendor, then the charity is left with nothing.
How will my donation help people?
Our vehicle donation program is both a fund raiser and a social service program. Our charity car lot in San Rafael sells low-cost vehicles to many of our own Marin-based clients; low income people who cannot afford to pay retail auto prices for transportation to and from work. We work with our clients to help them find a safe, reliable car for their needs. In addition, proceeds from vehicle donations go directly to providing 250,000 meals per year to feed low-income and homeless people in our Free Dining Room in San Rafael. All proceeds from your vehicle stay in Marin County. If you are considering donating your car to another charity, please remember to ask where the money is going!
How much will I get for a tax deduction?
I.R.S. rules state that you are entitled to receive a tax deduction equal to what the vehicle is sold for by the charity, if you itemize your deductions. If the vehicle is sold for less than $500, you can deduct the fair market value up to $500. You will receive a tax receipt stating what your vehicle sold for within 30 days of the sale of your vehicle.
In a small number of cases, donors may still take the car’s fair market value (the private party sale value as shown in online valuation guides such as Kelley Blue Book) as their tax write-off. According to the IRS, donors may claim a deduction of the vehicle's fair market value under the following circumstances:
--The charity makes a significant intervening use of the vehicle, such as using it to deliver meals on wheels.
--The charity makes a material improvement to the vehicle, i.e., major repairs that significantly increase its value and not mere painting or cleaning.
--The charity donates or sells the vehicle to an in-need individual at a significantly below-market price, if the transfer furthers the charitable purpose of helping a poor person in need of a means of transportation.
If your donation qualifies for a fair market value deduction, we will advise you of this fact at the time of sale.
Do you accept all vehicles?
Yes! Our program accepts all types of vehicles. We handle cars, trucks, RV's, sport utilities, motorcycles, boats and motor homes.
We accept any vehicle, running or not running. As a “green” organization committed to sustainability, we are dedicated to getting older, higher polluting vehicles off of the streets, whether they are running or not. Of course, we take donations of newer cars as well.
Donate when your vehicle needs repairs that cost more than the vehicle is worth.
A vehicle which is old and needs mechanical repairs can stilll be a valuable donation.
Donate when your late-model vehicle has mechanical problems.
While it may be difficult for you to sell this type of vehicle, newer vehicles that have mechanical problems, particularly if not running, may sell for more at our charity car lot in San Rafael than you could get selling it yourself.
Donate when the dealer gives a low trade-in offer.
If a dealer is offering you a low trade-in price, please consider donating it. This vehicle may yield excellent results at our charity car lot in San Rafael, and can provide you with a good tax deduction.
