August 19, 2020

Donate your vehicle, support American Legion charities and programs

By The American Legion
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Donate your vehicle, support American Legion charities and programs
Donate your vehicle, support American Legion charities and programs

Profits from auction sales through Charitable Auto Rides Service go to help fund American Legion charities.

Owners of unused vehicles looking to find a way to help benefit American Legion programs can do so by donating their vehicles through Charitable Auto Rides Service Inc. (CARS). Proceeds from each auction sale through CARS go to American Legion charities and programs.

This Q&A with Jim Strassburg, director of national business development at CARS, answers some of the questions about the CARS program.

Q: What is the process for donating a vehicle through the CARS program?

A: The process is fast, free and easy. We have built this program to be as donor-friendly as possible. Simply call 844-453-4466 (844-4-LEGION) and speak with a live representative, and they will schedule a pick up time, and answer all your questions. Or, if you’re ready now, please go to legion.careasy.org to complete the online form, a call rep will be in touch within 24 hours to schedule your pick up appointment. It’s that easy.

Q: What are the responsibilities for the vehicle owner when donating a vehicle through the program?

A: In most states, all we need is the clear title to the vehicle— but if you do not have it, please call us anyway. It is possible that other arrangements may be made. Any lien holder listed on the title must be cleared and/or have an accompanying release by the bank. We are also available seven days a week during regular hours of operation, no smog certificate is required.

Q: What are the tax implications when donating a vehicle through the program?

A: Vehicle donations are tax-deductible. Individual tax situations vary. For specific tax-related questions, please consult your tax advisor or refer to IRS Publication 4303. Most vehicles are sold through local auctions and we work to get the highest return per vehicle for you and The American Legion. According to the IRS Guidelines, you may claim fair market value for your donation up to the actual sale value. If your vehicle is sold for more than $500, the maximum amount of your deduction will be the sales price of the vehicle which will be listed on your IRS Form 1098-C. All units can claim a minimum of $500 as well.

Q: What else do potential vehicle donors need to know or think about when considering a vehicle donation?

A: State notification proves that you are no longer the registered owner of your donated vehicle. The steps needed for you to release your liability of your vehicle vary by state. Please reach out to us at 844-4-LEGION (844-453-4466) or email donorsupport@careasy.org if you have any questions on how to notify your state about your donated vehicle. Our Donor Service Representatives can provide you with the steps necessary for each state.

Q: Is there anything else potential vehicle donors need to know?

A: All vehicles are considered. We strive to accept all types of donated vehicles, running or not, including cars, trucks, trailers, boats, RVs, motorcycles, campers, off-road vehicles, planes, heavy equipment, farm machinery, and most other motorized vehicles. Please feel free to call us toll-free at 844-4-LEGION (844-453-4466) seven days a week.

 

For more information, go to https://legion.careasy.org/home.

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