Tax Savings Donation Calculator
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This calculator estimates the tax savings a car donation or other non-cash gift could bring, using the donation value, filing type, and taxable income you enter. You can claim this only if you itemize deductions.
This page offers general educational information only, not tax, legal, or accounting advice. We can’t give tax advice, because Car Donation Foundation is a charity rather than a tax advisor, and we can’t speak to your individual situation. Tax law is complex and changes, so talk to your own accountant, tax advisor, or attorney before you claim anything, since only a qualified professional who knows your full financial picture can advise you.
Ready to put your car to work for a child facing a critical illness? Call 1-855-278-9474 or fill out our online donation form to get started. Towing is free, and most vehicles are accepted on a case-by-case basis.
For non-cash gifts valued under $250, a receipt from the charity is generally what you need, and our guide to what you can deduct for a car donation explains how vehicles are treated. For a single gift of $250 or more, the charity also provides a written acknowledgment describing what you donated. When filing your taxes, keep your receipt and any other documents from the charity with your tax records.
Vehicles work a little differently: the charity provides the 1098-C that reports your sale price, and when your deduction is more than $500, you attach it to your return. Higher-value donations have their own considerations, so see our guide on vehicles worth more than $5,000. You can also see how we work to raise your vehicle’s sale price.
Non-Cash Donation Tips:
- If your non-cash donations for the year exceed $500, you'll need to fill out IRS Form 8283, the Non-cash Charitable Contribution form, when you file your taxes.
- When making a non-cash donation such as clothing or household items, items must generally be in good condition. The IRS only allows you to claim a deduction on clothing and household items that are in "good or better" condition.
- Vehicle donations follow their own rules, which we explain in how your car donation deduction is calculated
- Donating good-quality items is a great way to support your favorite charity. Items that are in poor shape might not be as beneficial to the charity you're supporting.
- Donations of stock or other non-cash property are usually valued at the fair market value of the property.
- Take a photo of your non-cash items before you donate them. If the IRS were to challenge your valuation of your item, a photo is great evidence of your items' worth.
- You cannot deduct contributions made to specific individuals, political organizations and candidates.
- Oftentimes charities will have specific "wish lists" of items they need. Consider this before dropping off items they might not need at the moment.
Check our car donation questions and answers for more information on Wheels For Wishes, or read our guide to donating vs. selling your vehicle.
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