In Georgia, your car donation only counts for this year’s tax deduction if the vehicle is physically picked up on or before December 31. The IRS goes by the pickup date, not the day you schedule. That means to lock in a deduction for this tax year, you should book your Vision Wheels pickup at least 3–5 business days before December 31, so Heritage for the Blind can get your vehicle towed in time. Pickup is free, non-running cars are welcome, and you’ll receive the written acknowledgment you need for your taxes once the vehicle sells.
Vision Wheels partners with Heritage for the Blind, a Georgia-based 501(c)(3) (EIN 58-2164446), to turn your car into services for people who are blind or visually impaired. From Atlanta, Decatur, Marietta, and Sandy Springs to Savannah, Augusta, Macon, Columbus, Athens, Warner Robins, and Valdosta, pickups run Monday through Saturday throughout the holiday season. Whether your car is parked in a Midtown Atlanta garage, a driveway in Johns Creek, or on a rural property in South Georgia, we’ll help you donate quickly and correctly so you can feel confident about your year-end tax deduction.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2-minute donation form or call
2 minutesShare a few basics about your vehicle and where it’s located in Georgia — Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, Macon, Columbus, or anywhere statewide. It only takes about two minutes to complete the secure online form or provide details by phone so dispatch can schedule your pickup.
Choose your pickup window before December 31
5 minutesA Heritage for the Blind representative will contact you to schedule a free tow, Monday–Saturday, aiming for a date that’s on or before December 31. For the safest timing, request a slot at least 3–5 business days before year-end, especially in busy metro Atlanta and coastal areas.
Prepare your signed title and vehicle access
10–15 minutesLocate your Georgia title, clear personal belongings from the car, and make sure the tow driver can access it in your driveway, parking deck, or street spot in places like Buckhead, Decatur, or Savannah’s Historic District. Non-running or damaged vehicles are fine — no repairs or emissions inspection needed.
Vehicle is picked up – your deduction year is locked
Pickup dayWhen the tow truck arrives and takes your vehicle on or before December 31, that pickup date becomes your official IRS donation date. Even if the car sells in the new year, your deduction generally applies to the tax year in which the vehicle was picked up in Georgia.
Receive your written acknowledgment and tax forms
After vehicle saleAfter your donated vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind mails you a written acknowledgment — and IRS Form 1098-C if the gross sale price is more than $500. Keep this documentation with your tax records to support your deduction when you file your federal and Georgia state returns.
Year-end tax deduction facts
IRS counts the pickup date, not the call date
For vehicle donations, the IRS treats the date your car is actually picked up as the donation date. Scheduling on December 31 is not enough — the tow must occur on or before December 31 for the deduction to apply to that tax year.
December 31 pickup = this year’s deduction
If Heritage for the Blind tows your car on or before December 31, you may generally claim the deduction on this year’s tax return, even if the car is sold and you receive your acknowledgment and Form 1098-C early in the following calendar year.
Form 1098-C for vehicles sold over $500
When your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind issues IRS Form 1098-C. It lists the gross sale price, which usually becomes the maximum charitable deduction amount you may claim if you itemize on Schedule A.
You need to itemize on Schedule A
To claim a car donation, you must generally itemize deductions on Schedule A of your federal tax return. The written acknowledgment and, if applicable, Form 1098-C from Heritage for the Blind back up the amount you list as a charitable contribution.
30-day acknowledgment rule after vehicle sale
The charity must send your written acknowledgment, including Form 1098-C if required, within 30 days of the vehicle’s sale date. This can occur in the new year, but your deduction still ties back to the year the car was picked up in Georgia.