In Metro Detroit, the IRS year-end car donation deadline is clear: your vehicle must be picked up on or before December 31 to count for this tax year. With MotorCity Wheels and Heritage for the Blind, pickups run Monday–Saturday all through December, including Christmas week. We can often tow your car the same day or next day for weekday calls made before early afternoon. To guarantee a December 31 pickup window in most Metro Detroit areas, call or complete our 2-minute form by December 27–28. You’ll get fast scheduling, a free tow, and a tax receipt for your donation.
We’re local to Detroit and know year-end can be hectic from downtown and Midtown to Corktown, the University District, and out into Southfield, Warren, Dearborn, Sterling Heights, and the Grosse Pointes. Your car doesn’t need to run, and there’s no inspection or repairs required—just a signed Michigan title. Our team coordinates your free pickup anywhere in Metro Detroit, then Heritage for the Blind uses the proceeds to support people who are blind or visually impaired. If you’re looking to clear your driveway and lock in a deduction before the ball drops, this is the fastest, cleanest way to do it.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesComplete our secure online form or call MotorCity Wheels—both take about two minutes. Have your license plate, VIN if handy, and the signed Michigan title. Tell us your Detroit or Metro suburb location and your preferred pickup days before December 31.
Lock in your year-end pickup date
5 minutesOur schedulers confirm a pickup window Monday–Saturday, including Christmas week, anywhere in Metro Detroit. Call by December 27–28 to secure a December 31 slot. In many areas we can offer same-day or next-day towing if you contact us by early afternoon.
Free towing from anywhere in Metro Detroit
30–60 minutes on pickup dayOn pickup day, the tow driver meets you in Detroit, the suburbs, or even a storage lot. Your car can be non-running, damaged, or missing tags. There’s no cost to you. Just hand over the signed title and keys (if available) for a smooth handoff.
Receive your donation receipt
On pickup & within 30 daysYou’ll receive an initial pickup receipt when the vehicle is towed. After Heritage for the Blind sells your car, they send your official written acknowledgement—typically within 30 days—which you’ll need for your tax records and, for larger deductions, IRS Form 1098-C.
Claim your deduction on your tax return
At tax filing timeBecause your car was picked up by December 31, your donation is eligible to be claimed for that tax year when you file. If you itemize on Schedule A, you’ll generally deduct the vehicle’s gross sale price, supported by your Heritage for the Blind documentation.
Year-end tax deduction facts
December 31 pickup is the real cutoff
For IRS purposes, the donation date is when your vehicle is transferred, not when you call. Your car must be picked up and signed over by December 31 to claim the deduction for that calendar year’s tax return.
Your deduction is based on sale price
In most cases, the IRS lets you deduct the gross sale price of your donated vehicle, not an estimate. After Heritage for the Blind sells your car, they provide documentation showing the sale amount to support your deduction.
You’ll receive IRS Form 1098-C for larger gifts
If your donated vehicle sells for more than the IRS threshold, Heritage for the Blind issues Form 1098-C. You attach this form to your return when you claim the car donation deduction in addition to keeping your written acknowledgement.
Itemizing on Schedule A is required
To use your car donation as a deduction, you generally must itemize your deductions on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Consult a tax professional to see which option is best for your specific situation.
30-day written acknowledgement rule
Charities must send you a written acknowledgement within 30 days of the sale or significant use of your vehicle. Heritage for the Blind provides this documentation, which you should keep with your Detroit tax records in case of an IRS inquiry.