How do I Donate a Car in Columbus, Ohio?
- 1). Choose your charity. Make sure it qualifies as a charitable organization under IRS guidelines. The IRS has a publication that lists most charities that qualify. One qualified charity is Goodwill Columbus, which uses 100 percent of the proceeds of selling your vehicle for its programs to assist area residents with disabilities, and also accepts trucks, motorcycles, campers, trailers and recreational vehicles.
- 2). Transfer the title to Goodwill Columbus. On the back of your title, fill in DONATION as the price of the vehicle. The Transferee/Buyer's name is "Goodwill Industries of Central Ohio." The Transferee/Buyer's address is "666 S. Nelson Road, Columbus, OH 43205." Fill in the actual mileage of the vehicle.
- 3). Take the title to a notary public and fill out in your name and address and sign it. The notary must sign and stamp the title.
- 4). Visit the website of Goodwill Columbus (see Reference section) to fill out an online donation form, or call 614-444-AUTO. The charity offers free pickup of the vehicle.
- 5). Determine the amount of the tax deduction you want to take on the donation. You must itemize your deductions in order to take advantage of a donation. If the deduction you intend to seek is less than $500, determine the fair market value of the vehicle and claim it on your annual tax forms. If you want a deduction over $500, you will need to wait until Goodwill sells the car, when the charity will notify the IRS of the sale price. Under IRS guidelines, you can deduct up to $500 off your federal income taxes even if the car sells for under $500.
