Driving Successful Lives - frequently asked questions

Question 1

What can I donate to Driving Successful Lives?

Accepted Answer

Vehicles of most kinds - cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, RVs and trailers - as well as real estate, land and other property. Condition is usually not a barrier: a vehicle does not have to run, and property does not have to be repaired or cleared first. If you are unsure whether we can accept something, ask before assuming we cannot.

Question 2

Does my car have to be running to donate it?

Accepted Answer

No. Non-running and damaged vehicles are accepted routinely. What matters more than condition is that the vehicle can be located and legally transferred, which means having the title or knowing what to do if the title is missing.

Question 3

What if I cannot find the title?

Accepted Answer

Tell us at the start rather than waiting. A missing title is common and is usually solvable - most states have a duplicate title process for the registered owner - but the route differs by state and it is far easier to sort out before a pickup is arranged than after.

Question 4

Is Driving Successful Lives a registered charity?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Driving Successful Lives is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations to a qualified 501(c)(3) are generally tax deductible, though what you can actually claim depends on your own circumstances - see the question below.

Question 5

What tax deduction can I claim for a donated vehicle?

Accepted Answer

For most donated vehicles the deduction is tied to what the vehicle sells for rather than to a book value. Under IRS rules, if a donated vehicle is sold by the charity the donor's deduction is generally limited to the gross proceeds of that sale, and the charity provides Form 1098-C reporting it. Different rules can apply if the charity uses or materially improves the vehicle. We cannot tell you what your deduction will be, and anyone who quotes you a figure up front is guessing - confirm it with your own tax adviser.

Question 6

Is donating real estate different from donating a vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it takes longer. Property transfers involve title review, recording, and - for a non-cash donation valued above the IRS threshold for a qualified appraisal - an appraisal obtained by the donor. Outstanding mortgages, unpaid taxes and shared ownership between heirs all need working through rather than ruling the donation out, but they are best raised at the start.

Question 7

What does it cost me to donate?

Accepted Answer

Nothing to ask, and there is no obligation. Vehicle pickup is arranged as part of the donation. Costs that can arise in a property transfer - an appraisal, title work, recording - are discussed and agreed in writing before anything proceeds, so there are no surprises at the end.

Question 8

Where do you accept donations?

Accepted Answer

Nationwide. This site carries location pages covering cities and counties across the United States. If you do not find your area listed, contact us anyway at donate@drivingsuccessfullives.org or (877) 721-1627 - coverage changes and it costs nothing to ask.

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