For Tennessee donors, the hard IRS cutoff is simple: your vehicle must be picked up by 11:59 p.m. on December 31 to count for this tax year. With Volunteer Wheels, powered by Heritage for the Blind, we run free towing Monday through Saturday, all through Christmas week. In most Tennessee metro areas, if you call before early afternoon on a weekday, we can often schedule same-day or next-day pickup. To be safe, call or submit the 2-minute form by December 27–28 to guarantee a December 31 pickup window.
We serve donors across Tennessee – from Nashville (East Nashville, Bellevue, Antioch) and Memphis (Germantown, Cordova, Midtown) to Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, the Tri-Cities, and rural communities in between. Your car doesn’t need to run, and you don’t need to handle repairs or inspections – we’ll tow it free from your driveway, workplace, or storage lot. You just need a signed Tennessee title. Heritage for the Blind is a real 501(c)(3), and you’ll receive a written tax receipt for your records. If you’re looking at the calendar and wondering whether you can still make the deadline, you can – but only if you schedule your Tennessee pickup now.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesComplete the quick online form or call Volunteer Wheels. Have your Tennessee title, VIN, and address ready. Tell us your best pickup days before December 31 and whether the car runs or not. No inspection or photos are required.
Lock in a pickup slot before Dec 31
2 minutesOur scheduling team confirms a pickup day and time window, including Christmas week. In most Tennessee metro areas we can do same-day or next-day if you call before early afternoon. Call by Dec 27–28 to guarantee a Dec 31 slot.
Prepare the signed Tennessee title
2 minutesSign your Tennessee title where indicated for the seller and remove your license plates. Keep your registration and insurance documents for your records. The tow driver will guide you on any final signatures at pickup.
Free towing anywhere in Tennessee
30–60 minutesOn your scheduled day, our professional tow partner meets you at home, work, or a storage lot—from downtown Nashville to rural counties. Your vehicle is towed away at no cost, even if it’s non-running, damaged, or won’t start.
Receive your tax receipt and claim your deduction
Within 30 days of saleHeritage for the Blind mails you a written donation acknowledgment and, when required, IRS Form 1098-C. You’ll use this documentation to claim your charitable deduction when you file and itemize on Schedule A.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 controls the tax year
For IRS purposes, your donation counts in the year the charity takes possession of the vehicle. That means your Tennessee pickup must be completed by December 31 to claim the deduction on this year’s return.
Deduction usually equals sale price
In most cases, your allowable deduction is the amount Heritage for the Blind receives when your vehicle is sold, not a price guide estimate. We report this sale amount to you on your written acknowledgment and, when required, on Form 1098-C.
Itemize on Schedule A
To use your car donation as a federal income tax deduction, you must itemize deductions on IRS Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. A tax professional can help you decide which approach benefits you more.
Form 1098-C for larger donations
If your vehicle sells for more than the IRS threshold, Heritage for the Blind issues IRS Form 1098-C. This form shows the sale price and is used to substantiate your deduction when you file your federal return.
30-day written acknowledgment
By law, the charity provides a written acknowledgment—often within 30 days of the vehicle’s sale—showing key details of your donation. Keep this with your Tennessee tax records in case the IRS ever questions your deduction.