In the San Francisco Bay Area, the IRS rules are clear: the tax year of your vehicle donation is based on the date the car is actually picked up, not when you call or fill out the form. To claim your deduction for this tax year, Bay Wheels and Heritage for the Blind must physically pick up your car on or before December 31. Because trucks fill up fast at year-end, we strongly recommend you schedule your free pickup 3–5 business days before December 31 to secure a spot. Our dispatch runs Monday through Saturday throughout the holiday season, and we accept running or non‑running vehicles at no cost to you.
Whether you’re in Willow Glen, Alum Rock, Evergreen, Berryessa, South San Jose, Japantown, or commuting from downtown San Jose to Cupertino, Santa Clara, or Milpitas, we make it easy to turn your car into a same‑year tax deduction and vital support for people who are blind or visually impaired. The online form takes about two minutes, no smog check or repairs are needed, and towing is always free. After your vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind (a 501(c)(3), EIN 58‑2164446) will mail your written acknowledgment—and IRS Form 1098‑C if required—but your deduction year is locked in by the pickup date. Start now to make sure your San Jose car is collected before the December 31 deadline.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2-minute donation form or call Bay Wheels
2 minutesFrom anywhere in San Jose—Downtown, Cambrian Park, Almaden Valley—complete our quick online form or call to donate. Have your title (if available) and basic vehicle info handy. Tell us you need pickup before December 31 so we prioritize a year‑end tax‑deadline slot.
Choose your pickup window before December 31
5 minutesOur Heritage for the Blind dispatch team schedules Monday–Saturday, even during the holiday rush. To be safe, select a date at least 3–5 business days before Dec 31. We’ll confirm your pickup day and time window anywhere in greater San Jose and surrounding Bay Area cities.
Prepare your car and documents for hassle-free towing
10 minutesRemove personal items, license plates if required by California, and locate your keys and title. Your vehicle does not need to run or pass inspection. Our towing partner will handle the paperwork at pickup so the IRS‑recognized transfer date is clearly documented as on or before December 31.
Vehicle is picked up—your deduction year is locked in
Pickup dayWhen the tow truck arrives at your home, apartment, or workplace in San Jose, they’ll complete the pickup and provide a preliminary receipt. The pickup date is what the IRS uses to determine your deduction year, so a Dec 31 or earlier pickup secures this year’s deduction.
Receive your written acknowledgment and tax documentation
Within weeks after saleAfter your car sells, Heritage for the Blind mails your official written acknowledgment, and IRS Form 1098‑C if your vehicle is valued or sold for over $500. This paperwork may arrive in the new year, but your deduction applies to the tax year in which the car was picked up.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 pickup sets this year’s deduction
For the IRS, the crucial date is when Heritage for the Blind’s towing partner physically picks up your vehicle, not when you schedule. If your car is collected on or before December 31, you can claim the deduction for that tax year.
Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500
If your donated vehicle is sold for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind sends you IRS Form 1098‑C. This form shows the gross sale price, which is typically the maximum amount you may deduct when you itemize on Schedule A.
Deduction amount usually equals sale price
In most cases, the IRS limits your vehicle donation deduction to the amount the charity receives when it sells the car. Your acknowledgment letter and, if applicable, Form 1098‑C will list this sale price for use with your tax preparer.
Written acknowledgment usually within 30 days of sale
IRS rules require that for vehicles over $500, the charity sends you a written acknowledgment within 30 days after the sale. You may receive this in the following calendar year, but it still documents a deduction for the year of pickup.
You must itemize on Schedule A
To benefit from a vehicle donation deduction, you generally need to itemize deductions using Schedule A, instead of taking the standard deduction. Consult your tax advisor to confirm how your Bay Wheels donation fits your specific situation.