As you prepare your taxes for 2015 you can also be thinking about potential write-offs for 2016. One way to create the opportunity for a tax write-off is to donate a vehicle to benefit the LightHouse. Donating your car, truck, van, SUV, boat, motorcycle, ATV, RV, trailer or airplane is as simple as can be, with the help of our trusted partner CARS (Charitable Adult Rides and Services). CARS has been serving the LightHouse as our car donation processor for many years and you can count on them to handle your car donation with ease.

If you have any questions about the donation process or you are ready to donate a vehicle to benefit LightHouse programs and services, call CARS toll-free at 844-740-4483, seven days a week.

Thank you from the LightHouse!

Here are some commonly asked questions about vehicle donations:

What can I donate?
We accept most cars, trucks, trailers, boats, RV’s, motorcycles, off road vehicles, heavy equipment and most other motorized vehicles, in the continental United States. If you have any questions about what you can donate, please call CARS toll-free at 844-740-4483, seven days a week.

How much will my tax write-off be?
The amount that is tax deductible is the sale price of the vehicle. For more information on tax write-offs, we suggest you review IRS Publication 526 which sets forth the manner in which the IRS requires you to determine the value of your donated property.

What do I need to donate my vehicle?
You will need the title to the vehicle, but if you do not have it, please call anyway. It is possible that other arrangements may be made.

My car hasn’t run in years. Can I still donate it?
Yes. We are able to accept most vehicles running or not. Exceptions include older vehicles whose value would not offset the cost of towing. Most vehicles need to be intact and in towable condition. To find out if we can accept your vehicle, please call CARS toll-free at 844-740-4483.

How is the value of my car determined?
Before filing your taxes, we suggest you review IRS Publication 526 which sets forth the manner in which the IRS requires you to determine the value of your donated property.

How will the car be picked up?
CARS will arrange to have your vehicle towed away at a scheduled time convenient for you. The vehicle will be picked up by a licensed tow company at no cost to you and will be taken to our sale location. They will contact you to schedule an appointment within two to three business days at the most. If you need your car picked up sooner, please call CARS toll-free at 844-740-4483. They may be able to make those arrangements as well.