In Tennessee, the IRS looks at the date your vehicle is actually picked up – not when you schedule – to decide which tax year your car donation counts for. That means your car must be physically towed away by December 31 to qualify for this year’s deduction. Volunteer Wheels, benefiting Heritage for the Blind (a 501(c)(3), EIN 58-2164446), offers free pickup Monday–Saturday, even during the holiday rush. To beat the deadline, we strongly recommend you schedule your pickup 3–5 business days before December 31.
We serve donors across Tennessee – from Nashville (East Nashville, Bellevue, Antioch) and Memphis (Midtown, Germantown, Bartlett) to Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Johnson City, and beyond. We accept most vehicles running or not, with no inspection or repairs required. After your vehicle sells, you’ll receive written acknowledgment (and IRS Form 1098-C if it’s over $500). The deduction year is locked in by your pickup date, not when the paperwork arrives. If you’re ready to secure this year’s tax benefit and support services for people who are blind or visually impaired, start the quick online form or call now to reserve your year-end pickup slot.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2-minute Tennessee donation form or call
2 minutesShare basic info about your vehicle, contact details, and where it’s located in Tennessee – whether you’re in Knoxville, Cordova, Franklin, or Kingsport. It takes about two minutes, and you can do it on your phone, tablet, or computer, or by speaking with a live agent.
Choose a pickup window before December 31
5 minutesOur dispatch team, operating Monday–Saturday, reviews your request and offers the earliest available slot. To be safe, aim for pickup at least 3–5 business days before December 31 so a local tow partner can reach you in time, even in busy areas like Nashville or Memphis.
Confirm your appointment to lock in your spot
5 minutesWe’ll confirm the pickup date and time by phone, text, or email. This doesn’t set your tax year yet – that happens on the actual tow date – but it secures a spot on the year-end schedule before it fills up across Tennessee during the holiday rush.
Prepare title and keys, then meet the tow driver
15–20 minutesOn pickup day, have your title (if available), keys, and ID ready. The driver will help you complete any necessary paperwork. Your vehicle is towed away free, even if it won’t start, has flat tires, or has been sitting for months in your driveway or parking lot.
Pickup completed – this sets your deduction year
Same dayThe IRS counts the car donation on the date of physical pickup. As long as your vehicle is towed away by December 31, it applies to that tax year, whether you’re filing as a Tennessee resident in Shelby, Davidson, Knox, or any other county.
Receive your written tax acknowledgment by mail
Within weeks of saleAfter your donated vehicle is sold, Volunteer Wheels (benefiting Heritage for the Blind) mails you an acknowledgment letter and, for donations over $500, IRS Form 1098-C. This documentation is used when you itemize your deduction on your federal return.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 pickup controls which tax year counts
For the IRS, your donation date is when the charity takes possession of the vehicle. If your car is picked up on or before December 31, it applies to that tax year, even if the sale and paperwork happen later.
Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500
If your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, Volunteer Wheels (benefiting Heritage for the Blind) sends you IRS Form 1098-C. This form shows the gross proceeds from the sale, which generally determine your allowable deduction.
Deduction is usually based on sale price
In most cases, the IRS limits your vehicle donation deduction to the actual sale price received by the charity, not the Kelley Blue Book value. That sale amount will be listed on your acknowledgment and, when applicable, Form 1098-C.
You must itemize on Schedule A
To claim a vehicle donation deduction, you generally need to itemize deductions on Schedule A of your federal tax return. If you take the standard deduction, you typically can’t add an extra deduction for your donated car.
Acknowledgment usually arrives within 30 days of sale
The written acknowledgment and 1098-C (if required) are mailed after your vehicle is sold, often within 30 days of the sale. Even if this arrives in the new year, the deduction year is still tied to your actual pickup date.