Even though we make donating to the Kidney Key Vehicle Donation Program easy, we understand that you may have additional questions regarding the car donation process, tax deductions, ADOT/MVD regulations. We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help provide answers to questions you may have about donating your unused car, truck, RV, boat, camper or other vehicle.
If you are unable to locate the answer to a question you have, please do not hesitate to reach out to one of our live operators at: 855-3-KIDNEY (855-354-3639)
What if there is more than one person on the title?
The title must be signed by all responsible parties, so if:
- Jane Doe AND John Doe are on the title, then both signatures are required
- Jane Doe AND/OR John Doe are on the title then both signatures are required
- Jane Doe OR John Doe are on the title, then either signature is fine
What will you do with my vehicle?
The National Kidney Foundation of Arizona will send your vehicle to one of the local vehicle auctions to be sold under our name. The receipt for your donation will be mailed to you after the vehicle is sold. The proceeds come back to the Foundation to fund the critical needs of our kidney patients, including medications, food and nutritional supplements, and emergency living expenses.
What do I do with the license plate?
If your vehicle is titled in Arizona, please remove your license plate from the vehicle. The license plate will remain with you. If you’re donating a vehicle titled in another state, please confirm what is expected for your state.
What do I need to donate my vehicle?
You will need the title to the vehicle, but if you do not have it, please call us anyway. It is possible that other arrangements may be made. Any lien holder listed on the title must be cleared and or released by the bank. Please refer to the ADOT/ MVD for clear instructions. Please call us toll-free at 855-3-KIDNEY (855-354-3639) seven days a week during regular hours of operation.
Do I need a smog certificate to donate my car?
No. You may donate your vehicle without a smog certificate or safety inspection.
What vehicles can I donate?
All vehicles are considered! We accept cars, trucks, trailers, boats, RVs, motorcycles, campers, off-road vehicles, heavy equipment and most other motorized vehicles. If you have any additional questions about what you can donate or specific questions about your potential vehicle donation, please call us toll-free at 855-3-KIDNEY (855-354-3639) seven days a week during regular hours of operation.
My car hasn't run in years. Can I still donate it?
Yes! We can accept most vehicles running or not. However, it must have an engine and be towable. To find out if we can accept your vehicle, please complete our secure online vehicle donation form or call us toll-free at 855-3-KIDNEY (855-354-3639) seven days a week during regular hours of operation.
How will my car be picked up?
Once you have provided us with all necessary information via the online vehicle donation form or over the phone with one of our Donor Service Representatives, we will arrange to have your vehicle picked up at a scheduled time convenient for you. The vehicle will be picked up by a licensed tow company at no cost to you. The vehicle will then be taken to one of our many sale locations where it will be sold.
How long will it take to pick up my car?
We will contact you within two to three business days to schedule an appointment time that is convenient for you. If you need your car picked up sooner, please let our operators know during your initial call. We will do our best to accommodate your time frame. For more specific information pertaining to your vehicle donation, please call us at 855-3-KIDNEY (855-354-3639) during regular hours of operation.
How is the value of my car determined?
Donors are not responsible for determining the deductible value of their donation. The National Kidney Foundation of Arizona will report the gross proceeds raised from the sale of the vehicle to the donor and IRS. Before filing your taxes, we suggest you review IRS Publication 4303 which sets forth the manner in which the IRS requires you to determine the value of your donated property.
Is my car donation tax-deductible and when will I get a tax receipt?
Yes! Your vehicle donation is tax-deductible. The amount that is tax-deductible is the sale price of the vehicle. You will receive an initial donation receipt from the tow driver at the time of your vehicle pick-up. This initial acknowledgement will indicate your name as well as the year, make, model and condition of the vehicle you are donating. You will then be mailed a tax receipt within 30 days of the sale of the vehicle. This will be your only receipt if your vehicle sells for less than $500.
If your vehicle sells for more than $500 and your tax identification number has been provided, an IRS Form 1098-C, ‘Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes’, will be mailed to you within 30 days of the sale stating the amount of gross proceeds received from your donation. Individual tax situations vary. For specific tax-related questions, please consult your tax advisor or refer to IRS Publication 4303.
What can I claim as a deduction?
According to the tax law effective January 1, 2005, you may claim up to $500 or the fair market price of the vehicle, which is the gross sale price.
What if my car is valued over $5,000?
Effective January 1, 2005, you will no longer be required to have vehicles appraised. The value you may claim will be the amount of the gross sales price from your vehicle.
What are the IRS tax deduction requirements for a charitable vehicle donation?
While we are always open to answering any questions you may have, we realize that some donors will wish to have a more thorough and in-depth knowledge of IRS requirements for charitable donations. If you would like more information on the IRS vehicle donation requirements, please review the resources below:
IRS Publication 526, Charitable Contributions
IRS Publication 561, Determining the Value of Donated Property
IRS Publication 4303, A Donor's Guide to Vehicle Donations
IRS Form 8283, Noncash Charitable Contributions
IRS Instructions for Form 8283, Noncash Charitable Contributions
If you still have questions, please feel free to reach out to us toll-free at 855-3-KIDNEY (855-354-3639) seven days a week during regular hours of operation.
Do I need to notify the ADOT/MVD when I donate my vehicle?
Each state has different criteria on how the transfer of ownership notification is made. If your vehicle has an Arizona title, license plates must be removed from the vehicle and kept in your possession, transferred to another vehicle, returned to ADOT/MVD, or destroyed. Additionally, when you sell, trade-in, donate or transfer ownership of an Arizona titled vehicle for any other reason, you are required to notify ADOT/MVD by completing a sold notice. This free service can help protect you from future liability. You can complete the sold notice online here.
