Let us predict that for the past few days you have been reading articles on how to donate a car in California for a general reason that you currently bought yourself a new car after many years. Also, you are on the verge of planning and looking for ways to get rid of your old vehicle. Then you seem to be in the right track by reading such articles because one of the best ways to give up your old means of transportation is to consider donating it to an organization and/or charity. Although the best means is to put the car on sale, donation can also be a good option. Here are some good reasons why it is somehow better to put up the vehicle for donation instead of for sale.

Selling a Car can be Painful.

Everyone who tried selling a carcan attest to the fact that doing this can most of the time be a pain in the ass. I guess that even you had experienced such because you are currently thinking of donating your old automobile instead of putting it up for sale. If you choose to sell it online, you will surely have your share of buyers who are looking for a good yet cheaper deal. Also, you can encounter people who aren’t really after buying your vehicle. Instead, they are after scamming or ripping you off. In order to get it sold, you may also put up signage in your home or an advertisement somewhere which usually takes time to get noticed.

If you are someone who loves helping charities and you often find yourself being so charitable in giving cash, a vehicle donation can be another option for your good will. Accepting a vehicle for donation also entails work for your chosen charity but this is lesser work since most charities already know what to do with the donated vehicle. Also, for your advantage, you may get something from doing such act of kindness. You may get a charitable tax deduction when you donate an automobile. You just have to ensure that you declare the car’s correct market value.

No Need for Car Improvement.

How to Donate a Car in California The Reasons for Donating upon your decision to donate your old vehicle, there is no need for improvements. You can donate it as it is. As a contrast to selling your automobile, you might need to fix some problems before a buyer purchases it. Oftentimes, selling an old car with problems in an open market lowers the probability of getting it sold. This is because most of the time, buyers who prospect your vehicle would want it to undergo mechanic check before proceeding to purchase. In donating cars, there is no need to test drive or to offer personal and private information to people you don’t know.

You will also notice that it is faster to donate a vehicle than sell it. All you have to do is call your chosen organization and/or charity to let them know about your plan and they will take care of most requirements.

Knowing the reasons on why you should donate a vehicle instead of sell it gives you enough drive to acquire knowledge on how to donate a car in California.

If you want to learn how to donate a car in California Based Charitable Agency, bear in mind that there are specific guidelines that you must follow. Giving your car to a charitable organization that operates in the Golden State is a great way to support your causes. With this, you can provide help to less fortunate families for their car needs. Just recently, I donated my car to an orphanage. Aside from a heartwarming feel caused by giving, I have benefited from tax cuts because of that donation.

How To Donate A Car In California Based Charitable Agency

The first thing that you must do if you have already decided that you will donate your car is to determine what charitable agencies will benefit from your donation. I have noticed that there are numerous agencies in California that accept donations directly including organizations that raise fund for orphans, abandoned elderly, and sick individuals. After I selected which charity to give my car in California, I called the organization to learn more about the process of car donation. Although every charitable agency follows their own process for car donations, I guess there are several state policies in California that every agency should abide.

 

How To Donate A Car In California Based Charitable Agency

Car Transfer, Title And Plates, How To Donate A Car In California Based Charitable Agency

I highly suggest that you donate your car to any agency that accepts direct donations. However, you must be certain to transfer the title of the car to the agency. Since I have lost my copy of the car title, I went to California Department of Motor Vehicles and fill out forms 262 and 227. These forms must be filled out completely and must be endorsed to the person or agency picking up the car. I have learned that according to California law, all vehicle owners must keep the license plates on their vehicles at all times. Thus, when I donated my car I did not detached the plates.

How To Donate A Car In California Without Any Risk  

My selected charity returned the plates to me after my car has been auctioned. I have learned that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) also warns car donors to remove all car inspection and registration stickers. I think this is done to prevent any legal problems later for me and the future owner of my donated car. I filled out a release of liability memo from the DMV to inform the state that I am no longer responsible, legally and financially, for my car after it has been given out for charity.

 How To Donate A Car In California?

Keep Your Donation Papers For Tax Benefits

I have secured all records of my car donation primarily for tax benefits. In donating a car to charity, it is important that you hold proof to claim for tax deductions. One document I have secured is a written acknowledgement from the charity, and I have saved the contact details of the organization. I also informed the IRS about the kind of vehicle I donated. I am still keeping a copy of the car title transfer just to be ready if this is needed as a proof of the car donation.

Learning how to donate a car in California entails effort and time, but still it is a worthwhile activity.

source: how to donate a car in california dot net

There are several things to bear in mind if you want to learn how to donate a car in California dmv without the risks. Few months ago, I have donated my car to charity and it went off without any major issues.  But I want to help kind people to ensure that their car donation will be as easy as mine.

How To Donate A Car In California dmv – Easy Tips

I have donated a car that I have been using for about five years. It is still in good condition and still drivable. However, I have learned that even old cars that are impossible to drive are still accepted by several charitable organizations as long as the parts could be sold. So, if you have old cars, don’t discard them yet to junk shops. Many charitable agencies insist that the vehicles are in good working condition however. I suggest that you select an organization that you recognize. I have selected to donate my car to a charity with national operations but has a center in California. I feel safer with this. Just be careful since there are organizations with names that sound the same.

Avoid Dealing With Intermediary Agency In Donating Your Car, how To Donate A Car In California dmv?

I have noticed that there are charitable agencies that hire intermediary car donation companies to serve as brokers and to take care of the car donations. However, I think this is not a good option since the charity will normally get a small portion of the final cost of the car. The intermediary agency might keep the large percentage of the funds from the sale of the car for their overhead costs. I have chosen an organization that directly handles the donation from towing to auction.

Check If How Would The Charity Benefit From The Donation

How To Donate A Car In California? When I made my choice, I checked with the charity on how they would benefit from the donation. Some charities will use the car for their operations, some will sell the car to raise funds for humanitarian projects, and some will give the car to a needy family or individuals. For example, I have donated my pick up van to a charity that provides free transportation to poor farmers.

How To Donate A Car In California Without Being Duped

I had a friend who donated his car to charity only to find out that the charitable organization was just a scam. But that experience did not change my decision to donate my car. To protect myself from bogus organizations, I checked with BBB in California to verify the registration and the reputation of several organizations that I am planning to give out my car. I suggest that you stay away from charities with bad records and had any dubious transactions with car donations. Also make certain that the charity has the proper registration and has the license to operate in California. However, this is not needed if you are donating to a nationally acclaimed charity. Also check if the charity carries the tax exempt status for your tax deductions.

It is important to protect yourself in making donations. I am sure that your goal in learning how todonate a car in California is to help fund certain causes, so make it easy, fast, and right.