In Kentucky, the hard IRS cutoff for a car donation tax deduction this year is December 31. Your vehicle must be picked up by December 31 — not just scheduled — for your deduction to apply to this tax year. Ride for Good partners with Heritage for the Blind to run Monday–Saturday pickups all the way through December 31, including Christmas week, with free towing anywhere in Kentucky. In most metro areas, when you call before early afternoon on a weekday, we can arrange same‑day or next‑day pickup. To virtually guarantee a December 31 slot, call or submit the 2‑minute form by December 27–28 with a signed title in hand.
Whether you’re in Louisville (Highlands, St. Matthews, Shively), Lexington (Beaumont, Hamburg, Chevy Chase), Northern Kentucky (Covington, Florence, Fort Thomas), or anywhere from Bowling Green to Pikeville and Paducah to Ashland, we can tow your vehicle at no cost, running or not. No inspection or repairs are needed. Your donation supports services for people who are blind or visually impaired through Heritage for the Blind, a trusted 501(c)(3). If you want this year’s tax benefit, now is the time to lock in your pickup.
Your year-end donation timeline
1. Start in 2 minutes online or by phone
2 minutesFrom anywhere in Kentucky, complete our quick Ride for Good form or call us. We’ll ask a few basics about your car, location, and title. It usually takes under two minutes and immediately starts the year‑end tax process for you.
2. Choose your pickup day before Dec 31
5 minutesTell us you need your deduction for this tax year. We’ll offer the earliest open slots, often same‑day or next‑day in Louisville, Lexington, and Northern Kentucky. Call by Dec 27–28 to practically guarantee a Dec 31 pickup window.
3. Have your signed Kentucky title ready
10 minutesTo lock in your donation, you must have a properly signed Kentucky title at pickup. We’ll guide you on where to sign. No emissions check, no repairs, and no paperwork trip to the DMV required beforehand for most standard donations.
4. Free tow anywhere in Kentucky, running or not
Day of pickupOur towing partner meets you or follows your instructions for key exchange. We operate Monday–Saturday, including Christmas week, all the way through Dec 31. Your vehicle is removed at no cost, whether it’s drivable, damaged, or won’t start.
5. Receive your tax receipt from Heritage for the Blind
Within 30 days of saleHeritage for the Blind issues your IRS‑ready acknowledgment and, when required, IRS Form 1098‑C after the vehicle is sold. This paperwork supports your itemized deduction and confirms your gift for this tax year when picked up by Dec 31.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 pickup controls your tax year
For IRS purposes, your car donation counts for this tax year only if the charity takes possession by December 31. That means your vehicle must be picked up, not just scheduled, on or before December 31 in Kentucky.
How your deduction is calculated
In most cases, your allowable deduction equals the vehicle’s actual gross sale price, not a price guide estimate. Heritage for the Blind sells the vehicle and reports that sale amount to you for your federal tax return.
IRS Form 1098-C for larger donations
If your vehicle is sold for more than the IRS threshold, Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098‑C. This form shows the sale details and is required to substantiate larger vehicle donation deductions when you file.
Itemizing on Schedule A
To use a vehicle donation as a federal tax deduction, you must itemize deductions on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Talk with a tax professional to confirm what’s best for your specific Kentucky tax situation.
30‑day written acknowledgment
After your vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind sends a written acknowledgment, generally within 30 days of the sale. This document includes the sale price and is your primary proof of the donation for your tax records.