The 101 Of Car Donations.

As long as your local church organization is an IRS recognized non-profit organization, there is no problem making a car donation and getting a tax benefit at the same time. Chances are you have probably heard that your local church needs to raise fund for a free meals drive, or that your local priest, pastor, or deacon needs a car to preach and invite more people to attend church. If so, why not make a car donation?

The truth of the matter is, donating a used car is not as easy as they say it is. Aside from differing state regulations, the IRS has set sanctions on car donations due to rampant fraud. For example: the state of California requires a donor to fill up a liability release form, while Maryland asks for the “Maryland Notice of Security Interest Filing”. One thing in common for all states though, is that they all require the Car Title as a prerequisite for contribution.

The most important part of giving away your car for a good cause is to look for the right charity. Finding an institution with the same agenda as yours is akin to interviewing an applicant for a certain position. The pivotal move is to ask questions. Some charities have a number of programs and may be flexible in assigning your donation to a certain goal in which you and the charity officer agree on. Unfortunately, there are some who have a specific set of purpose.

To qualify for write offs, the donation must be made to an IRS qualified charities or the following: religious organizations; state, federal, and government institutions (as long as the car donation is for public use); Non-profit hospitals and schools; Red Cross, Good Will, Meals on Wheels, Care, Salvation Army, and the Girls’ and Boy Scouts of America; and those listed in the IRS’ publication 78. A donation is not tax deductible when it is made to an individual.

A car title is a strict requirement for donating a car. Prepare the 1040 form and fill up schedule A. The amount of deduction is limited to 50% of the already adjusted gross amount of your income. The write off is based on the cost at which the charity sold your car (if more $500), or the fair market value if the car is less than $500.

There are a lot of fraudsters out there. There are also car donation services that get more than the charity that really needs the money. When you give your vehicle to your community church the car value is maximized. When you go through middlemen to make a car donation, much of the amount taken from the sale of the car goes into the expense of the service company and its profit. Only a pittance goes to the actual institution.

It is very difficult to find a charity whose goals are the same as yours, much less one you could trust. By donating to the local church you are assured that the church charity will employ your car donation into something that will be of satisfaction to you as a donor.Read more about business car insurance when you want to read more related articles.

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