Donating a vehicle in memory of a loved one is a profound way to celebrate their life and the passions they held dear, especially if they had a special connection with their car. Drive to Give offers you the opportunity to make a difference while providing you with a tax receipt for your donation.
When you donate in memory of someone, you not only support a good cause but also have the chance to send a tribute card to their surviving family members. However, it’s important to ensure that the title of the vehicle is in your name before proceeding, as the IRS requires this for tax documentation.
How to make it happen
Check Vehicle Title
Before donating, verify that the title of the vehicle is registered in your name. If it’s still in the deceased's name, you may need to transfer it to your name through probate or an estate process.
Prepare Donation Details
Gather all necessary information, including the make, model, and VIN of the vehicle. Decide on the tribute name to honor your loved one and share any special memories you wish to include in the notification card.
Complete the Donation Form
Fill out the donation form on our website, specifying that the donation is made in memory of your loved one. Provide all required details and select the option to send a tribute card to the family.
Schedule Pickup
Once your form is submitted, we will contact you to arrange a convenient time for vehicle pickup. Ensure that you have all necessary paperwork, including the title and any lien release documents, if applicable.
Receive IRS Receipt
After the vehicle is successfully donated, you will receive an IRS tax receipt via email. This documentation could be crucial for your tax records, particularly if the vehicle's value exceeds $500.
Common gotchas
Title in Deceased's Name
Tip: If the vehicle title is still in the deceased's name, you may need to go through probate. This can slow down your donation process, so plan ahead.
Tribute Card Details
Tip: Ensure you provide accurate details for the tribute card, such as the name of your loved one and any message you’d like included, to make it truly meaningful.
Tax Documentation
Tip: Keep in mind that the tax receipt will be sent to the current owner of the vehicle, so ensure you initiate the donation under your name to avoid complications.
If this path doesn't fit
If donating the car is not feasible for your situation, consider other ways to honor your loved one. You might explore charitable contributions in their name, or even organize a small memorial event where attendees can donate to charity in their honor. Each gesture, big or small, can create a lasting tribute to their memory.
Charlotte DMV specifics
In North Carolina, if you're donating a car still titled in a deceased person's name, you may need to visit the DMV for a title transfer. This often involves submitting a death certificate and an Application for Title. Remember to also check if you need to complete a lien release if there are any outstanding loans on the vehicle. Don't forget to surrender the license plates to the DMV to avoid any future liability.