To claim a 2024 tax deduction for your car, the key is simple: donate in the Albuquerque Metro by 11:59 p.m. on December 31. With Valor Wheels, your deduction is usually the gross sale price of the vehicle, not Kelley Blue Book. If your car sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind (EIN 58-2164446) will mail you IRS Form 1098-C within 30 days of the sale. If it sells for $500 or less, you’ll receive a written acknowledgment you can use to deduct up to $500 or the fair market value, whichever is lower. You must itemize on Schedule A to claim the deduction. Always consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
We make year-end donating easy across Albuquerque, from the Heights and North Valley to Westside, Nob Hill, and Rio Rancho. Our local tow partners pick up running or non-running vehicles at homes, apartments, and workplaces throughout the city, including Paradise Hills, Los Ranchos, Corrales, and South Valley. You get a pickup confirmation for your records showing you donated by December 31, we take care of the sale and paperwork, and Heritage for the Blind receives funds to support people who are blind or visually impaired. No inspections, no repairs, no hassle—just a fast, local way to turn your car into a 2024 tax deduction.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2-minute donation form or call
2 minutesShare your contact info, basic vehicle details, and where in the Albuquerque Metro the car is located—East Side, Westside, Rio Rancho, or nearby. This locks in your intent to donate before December 31 so we can schedule pickup and start your tax paperwork path.
Confirm your free pickup date and location
5 minutesOur team contacts you Monday–Saturday to set up a free tow—often within a few days—anywhere in greater Albuquerque. We pick up from driveways, street parking, and garages. Non-running cars are fine; no smog check or repairs needed.
Complete the pickup and keep your confirmation
15–20 minutesThe tow driver arrives, you hand over the signed title (if available), and we provide a pickup confirmation. Keep this as proof that you donated by December 31 for this year’s return, even though the tax forms come after the vehicle sells.
We sell your vehicle and handle IRS paperwork
After saleValor Wheels and Heritage for the Blind arrange the sale. Your deduction is based on the gross sale price if it’s over $500—not Kelley Blue Book. Once sold, we prepare either IRS Form 1098-C or a written acknowledgment, depending on the sale amount.
Receive your tax receipt and file with Schedule A
Within 30 days of saleIf the vehicle sells for more than $500, IRS Form 1098-C is mailed to you within 30 days of the sale. For $500 or less, you receive a written acknowledgment. Give this to your tax professional and claim your deduction by itemizing on Schedule A.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Deduction equals sale price, not book value
For most cars, your allowable deduction is the gross sale price the charity receives, not Kelley Blue Book or a dealer quote. Once your vehicle sells, we document the sale amount and provide the paperwork you’ll need for your tax return.
Over $500 triggers IRS Form 1098-C
If your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind will mail you IRS Form 1098-C within 30 days of the sale. This form shows the sale price and is your official proof for claiming a larger charitable vehicle deduction.
$500 or less uses written acknowledgment
If your car sells for $500 or less, you receive a written acknowledgment instead of Form 1098-C. In that case, you may generally deduct up to $500 or the vehicle’s fair market value, whichever is lower. Keep this letter with your tax records.
You must itemize on Schedule A
Car donations are charitable contributions. To benefit from the deduction, you must itemize deductions on IRS Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. A tax professional can help you decide which approach is better for your situation.
Donate by Dec 31 for this year’s taxes
The IRS goes by your donation date, not the sale date. As long as your vehicle is donated (picked up or signed over) by December 31 in Albuquerque, it counts toward this tax year, even if the sale and Form 1098-C arrive in the new year.