In Las Vegas, the IRS counts the pickup date as your official car-donation date. That means your vehicle must be physically picked up on or before December 31 to claim the deduction on this year’s taxes. Simply scheduling a tow for a future date is not enough—the truck has to actually take your car by year-end. Desert Drive, benefiting Heritage for the Blind (a 501(c)(3), EIN 58-2164446), recommends you schedule at least 3–5 business days before December 31 so we can lock in a pickup slot in time.
We know year-end in the Las Vegas Valley gets busy—from Summerlin to Henderson, North Las Vegas to Spring Valley, Paradise, Enterprise, and Sunrise Manor. That’s why our towing partners operate Monday through Saturday, even during the holiday season, to keep your donation on track. We accept most vehicles running or not, with no inspection and no repairs needed, and pickup is always free. After your vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind will mail your written acknowledgment (and IRS Form 1098-C when required), but your deduction still applies to the year the car was picked up. Take two minutes now to get started and secure your year-end tax benefit.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2-minute donation form or call now
2 minutesShare a few basics about your car and where it’s located in the Las Vegas Valley—whether it’s in your driveway in Henderson, a garage in Summerlin, or a complex in Spring Valley. The more accurate your contact info and availability, the faster we can lock in a pickup before December 31.
Choose pickup days before the Dec 31 cutoff
5 minutesTell us which weekdays or Saturdays work best and if your vehicle is drivable. To safely beat the IRS deadline, we recommend you schedule 3–5 business days before December 31, especially around Christmas week when tow slots across Las Vegas fill up quickly.
Confirm your pickup window and tax year
5 minutesOur team will contact you to confirm a pickup day and time window. We’ll clearly state that your deduction counts for the tax year in which the tow truck actually picks up your vehicle. Make sure your confirmed appointment is on or before December 31 if you want this year’s deduction.
Prepare keys, title, and vehicle access
10 minutesBefore the tow truck arrives, remove personal items and have your title (if available) and keys ready. Let us know about gate codes or parking details in areas like Summerlin, Anthem, or high-rise garages on or near the Strip so the driver can access your car quickly and keep your pickup on schedule.
Complete pickup and lock in this year’s deduction
15–20 minutesThe driver arrives, completes quick paperwork, and tows your vehicle away—running or not. The moment the vehicle is picked up on or before December 31, your deduction is locked to this tax year. Heritage for the Blind will mail your written acknowledgment and, when applicable, IRS Form 1098-C after the sale.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 pickup = this year’s deduction
For the IRS, your car donation date is when the charity takes possession of the vehicle—not when you call or fill out the form. If the tow truck picks up your car on or before December 31, the deduction applies to that calendar tax year.
Scheduling alone does not set the tax year
Booking a pickup for January still means next year’s deduction, even if you scheduled in December. To claim your deduction for this year, make sure your confirmed appointment is a completed pickup on or before December 31 in the Las Vegas Valley.
Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500
If Heritage for the Blind sells your donated vehicle for more than $500, the charity will issue IRS Form 1098-C. This form shows the gross proceeds from the sale, which generally sets the maximum amount you can deduct on your federal return.
Schedule A and itemizing required
To use a vehicle donation deduction, you must itemize deductions on Schedule A of your federal tax return. If you claim the standard deduction instead, you generally can’t add an extra write-off for a donated car, truck, SUV, or motorcycle.
Receipt after sale, year stays the pickup year
Your written acknowledgment (and Form 1098-C when required) is mailed after the vehicle sells, which can be weeks later. The deduction year does not change—the relevant year is still the year in which the vehicle was physically picked up by or for the charity.