In St. Paul, the IRS counts your car donation on the day it’s physically picked up — not the day you call or submit the form. To claim a deduction for this tax year, your vehicle must be towed away on or before December 31. With holiday demand, we strongly recommend scheduling pickup 3–5 business days before year-end so Heritage for the Blind can secure your spot on the calendar. The online form takes about two minutes, non-running cars are fine, and towing is always free.
Revive Auto proudly partners with Heritage for the Blind, a registered 501(c)(3) supporting people who are blind or visually impaired. We arrange pickup across St. Paul and the greater Twin Cities — from Highland Park, Mac-Groveland, Como Park, and Frogtown to East Side St. Paul, West St. Paul, Maplewood, Roseville, Eagan, and beyond. There’s no inspection, no repairs, and no hassle. After your car sells, Heritage for the Blind will mail your written acknowledgment (and IRS Form 1098-C if your vehicle sells for more than $500), but your deduction year is locked in as of your actual pickup date. Act now so your donation counts for this year.
Your year-end donation timeline
Check your calendar and choose a pickup window
2 minutesLook at the last week of December and pick a day at least 3–5 business days before December 31. Heritage for the Blind operates Monday–Saturday, even during the holiday rush, across St. Paul and the Twin Cities.
Submit the 2-minute Revive Auto donation form or call
2 minutesShare basic info: your St. Paul/Twin Cities location, vehicle details, and the best contact number. No title questions or car condition worries are too small—non-running, damaged, or older vehicles are all welcome.
Confirm your pickup date before December 31
5 minutesA scheduling coordinator for Heritage for the Blind will contact you to lock in a specific pickup day and time. Make sure your tow appointment is on or before December 31 to secure this year’s deduction.
Prepare keys, title, and access for the driver
10–15 minutesClear personal items from the car, gather your title (if available), and ensure the tow truck can reach the vehicle—whether you’re in a downtown St. Paul ramp, alley in Payne-Phalen, or driveway in Highland Park.
Complete pickup and lock in this year’s tax year
15–30 minutesWhen the tow truck arrives, sign the necessary paperwork and hand over the keys. The IRS considers this pickup date as your official donation date—if it’s December 31 or earlier, it applies to this tax year.
Watch for your mailed tax acknowledgment
0 minutes (afterward)After your vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment and, if required, Form 1098-C. Even if that arrives next year, your deduction year is based on your actual pickup date.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 pickup sets your deduction year
The IRS uses the vehicle’s pickup date as your donation date. If your car is towed away on or before December 31 in St. Paul, the deduction applies to that tax year—even if paperwork arrives later.
Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500
If your donated car sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind will issue IRS Form 1098-C. This shows the gross sale price and is required to support larger vehicle deductions on your federal return.
Your deduction is usually the sale price
For most car donations, the IRS limits your deduction to the amount the charity actually receives when the vehicle is sold. That final sale price is what appears on your written acknowledgment or Form 1098-C.
You must itemize on Schedule A
To benefit from a charitable vehicle deduction, you must itemize deductions on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Talk with your tax advisor to confirm what’s best for your situation.
Written acknowledgment within about 30 days of sale
After your vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind mails a written acknowledgment, typically within about 30 days of the sale. Keep this with your tax records to substantiate your charitable deduction.