Donating a car in Tennessee is a simple and charitable way to unload a vehicle you no longer need, and you can even earn some tax deductions for doing so! To help you make your donation, we’ve put together a list of some of the best Tennessee charities that accept automobile donations.

If you have a car sitting in your driveway that you no longer need, you’re probably looking for a fast and easy way to get rid of it. Traditional options like selling the car online or trading it in aren’t always worth the time and effort, so donation might be the best way to offload your wheels.

Car donation isn’t discussed often as an option, but

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Tennessee car insurance costs

, as well as to discover a list of potential recipients.

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How to donate a car in Tennessee

So why would you donate your car rather than sell it or trade it in? In a single word—convenience. Donating a car is much more straightforward. Here’s how it goes:

Choose an organization. Car donation is a growing industry, and unfortunately, there are a lot of scammers out there. Take time to ensure that you’ve selected a legitimate and reputable organization. You can always use the IRS’s

online search tool

to check Pub. 78 data.

Get your paperwork in order. When you donate your car, you’ll have to include additional paperwork such as the signed title, as well as documents citing the

car’s make and model

, vehicle identification model (VIN), and mileage.

Determine your car’s value. Sure, you won’t be charging the charity anything, but you can claim your donation as a deduction the next time you file your taxes. Look up your car’s fair market value via

Kelley Blue Book

so you know what amount to claim.

Arrange for your car to be picked up. That’s right—most charitable organizations don’t even ask you to drop your car off! They’ll pick it up for you. Simply make arrangements using their donation form or by calling them on the phone.

Hold onto your receipt. You’ll need it to claim your tax deduction the next time you file.

How do taxes work when donating a car?

Aside from the great feeling that comes with doing a good deed, another benefit of donating your car in Tennessee is the potential tax deduction. Organizations typically sell your donated vehicle to raise funds for their charity, so your tax deduction will be based on the exact amount your car sells for post-donation.

Tennessee allows tax deductions for vehicle contributions, whether you donate a car in Tennessee or another state. You’ll just need a receipt from the organization and possibly a

1098C form

from the IRS.

Per the current IRS state guidelines, there is a $500 minimum deduction. This means that you can claim up to $500 for any vehicle or vessel donated to a charitable organization, even if the vehicle is sold for less than that amount. All you’ll need is a receipt.

If your car sells for more than $500, you can claim the exact sale price on your taxes. An IRS 1098C form will be necessary in this case. If your car sells for over $5,000, you’ll also need to file an

IRS 8283 form

Sometimes, an organization will keep your car, in which case you can claim the fair market value. Simply submit an appraisal and the 1098C form. If the vehicle is valued at over $5,000, an IRS 8283 form will be required, along with a third-party appraisal.

MORE:

What to consider before donating your car

Where to donate a car in Tennessee

If you’re ready to donate your vehicle in Tennessee, consider one of these great charitable organizations:

Cars for Prostate Cancer

is a car donation service run by the Prostate Cancer Awareness Project. To donate in Tennessee, simply complete their online form, schedule a free pickup and prepare for your tax deduction! They’ll even accept your donated

boat

or RV.

Wheels for Wishes

Support your

local Make-A-Wish chapter

by donating your old car to

Wheels for Wishes

. Make-A-Wish helps grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions, allowing kids to simply be kids again! Donating a car,

motorcycle

, boat, RV, or other vehicle is free and easy.

Goodwill Car Donations

provides disadvantaged individuals with job training, employment services, and other critical community-building support. They’ll accept running or non-running vehicles of every variety, from cars and SUVs to

jet skis

and golf carts.

Kars4Kids

Your car will directly impact kids’ lives when donated to

Kars4Kids

. A registered non-profit Jewish organization, Kars4Kids works together with

Oorah

, their sister charity, to help develop thousands of children into productive members of the community. They keep their car donation process in-house, which means a high percentage of your donation goes directly to the kids.

Vehicles for Veterans

When it comes to military vets, the need for support is greater than ever. 30% of Iraq war vets suffer from PTSD, and there are an estimated 40,000 homeless veterans in the U.S. Donate your vehicle and give back to disabled veterans via

Vehicles for Veterans

. Proceeds fund programs that provide services offered to vets in need of assistance and support.

Cars2Charities

Many charities are unable to process their own car donations, so they hire a company that specializes in processing vehicle donations.

Cars2Charities

will even work at improving your car so they can sell it at the highest value possible. The charity will get more money, and you’ll get to claim more money on your taxes.

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How to find affordable car insurance quotes in Tennessee

Once you save some money on your taxes, it’s time to start thinking about saving money on your car insurance.

Jerry

is a

trustworthy licensed insurance broker

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