Why donate to Giving Heart of America instead of the competitors?
- We dedicate a substantial part of management time to MAXIMIZING the benefits of your donation. We utilize a network of retail dealers who sell donated vehicles (Managed Donation Program) directly to the public at retail prices. Thus, the size of your tax deduction under the current tax law is typically much larger with Giving Heart of America than with other charities.
- Our Operation Fallen Hero program is unique to Giving Heart of America and is very popular.
- Giving Heart of America is a non-profit organization, while many of our competitors are for-profit companies that run a car donation program for one or more charities.
Can I direct my donation to another charity?
Yes, Giving Heart of America considers itself to offer the most innovative and flexible vehicle donation program anywhere. If you prefer to support your own favorite charity, we will allow you to specify that at the time of your donation. We will direct a portion (target: 60%) of the net proceeds of your donation to the charity you specify.
What about my own church? Can I direct my donation there?
Absolutely! We encourage directed donations to local churches. This is a definite advantage of donating to Giving Heart of America.
Is Giving Heart of America a non-profit organization?
Yes, Giving Heart of America, Inc. is a certified non-profit corporation, organized in the State of Texas. All of the necessary filings with state and federal authorities have been made.
Will my donation be tax deductible?
Yes, your donation to Giving Heart of America will be tax deductible to the full extent of the law, but, as with all tax questions, you should rely only on the advice of your accounting or tax professional. We are a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. See our Tax Deductibility page.
Who determines what my donated vehicle is worth for a tax deduction?
Under the current tax law, your tax deduction is limited to the sales price of the vehicle once it is sold. This makes it extremely advantageous to you to donate to Giving Heart of America rather than other charities, as we actively maximize your tax deduction and the proceeds available for charitable work. See our Estimate Value page.
Is it possible to receive some cash for my car and a tax deduction as well?
In general, yes. The IRS recognizes what is called a "bargain sale" to a charitable organization. By way of illustration, say you want to donate a car worth $4000 to a charity, but you need some cash for the car. So, instead of making an outright donation, you offer to sell the car to the charity at a "bargain" price (less than it is worth), say $1000. Assuming the car really is worth $4000 (as demonstrated when the charity sells it for $4000), per the current tax law , your tax deduction would be $3000, the difference between the demonstrated actual value and the bargain price you received. As with all tax questions, you should rely only on the advice of your accounting or tax professional.
What donations do you accept?
You can donate cars, trucks, money, travel trailers, RVs, motor homes, and motorcycles. Boats (with trailers) need to be in usable condition. If you have something else in mind for your donation, call us and let's talk about it.
Does my car have to be running?
It is not necessary for vehicles to be running, but they cannot be badly wrecked, burned, stripped, or otherwise without any real value.
What about a title? Do I have to have one?
We can not accept a vehicle that is not yours or that is not paid off. But a physical title is not necessary. We can obtain a duplicate title for you.
What if I have lost the title? Am I just out of luck?
No, we are delighted to help you in obtaining a duplicate title. It is quick, easy, and we pay all the costs. Call us.
My car is paid off. But I don't have a copy of the title without the lien on it. What should I do?
You will need to get evidence from the lender that the lien is released. With that, it is easy to get a clean copy of the title. We'll be happy to help you. Just call us.
Where do you pick up vehicles? Will I have to pay for the vehicle to be picked up?
Giving Heart of America will pay for your donated vehicle to be picked up at your site and towed free of charge.
How long does it take for my vehicle to be picked up?
Generally it will be picked up the next day. During the busiest part of the year (year end), it may take slightly longer.
How long will it take to receive my official tax receipt?
At the time our towing service picks up your donation, you will receive an initial acknowledgement of your donation.
Once we have picked up your vehicle, we will send you an official confirmation of your donation. You will receive this confirmation within a few days of pickup. I
Once the car sells, we will send you the Sales Proceeds Acknowledgement, IRS Form 8283, and the completed IRS Form 1098-C. This final sale is normally complete within 40 days.
Do I have to be there the day the car is picked up?
No, you don't have to be there, as long as the keys and the title are left in the glove-box.
Do I sign the title over to someone?
Yes, you will need to sign the back of the title as "seller". There is also a space to print your name. Please use the exact name as shown on the front of the title. Please leave the "buyer" line blank, as we will stamp it with our name and address after receipt of the vehicle.
If any additional title work is required, is that something I have to do myself, or is it something you can do for me?
Occasionally additional title work is required before we can arrange to sell the vehicle. If this is the case, it may be necessary for you to sign a form or two.
How much money actually goes to charity?
Our goal is for 75% of the proceeds to go towards our Operation Fallen Hero program. The actual percentage depends upon the total number of donations received in a given month and the average value of those donations.
Do any of your competitors direct more money to charity?
Don't be misled. Some charities claim to direct very large percentages to their programs, like nearly 90%. But, these same charities often utilize a wholesale auto auction exclusively, receiving only a fraction of the vehicle's actual value.
For example, say your car is worth $5,000. Another charity might sell it at wholesale auction for $800, while Giving Heart of America would sell it for $5,000. If you are interested in a tax deduction, compare $5,000 to $800.
Do you ever utilize a wholesale auto auction?
Absolutely. In some cases a wholesale auction is our best avenue for disposing of donated assets at the highest possible price. For example, many donated vehicles are simply not suitable for retail sales. This applies to many wrecked and non-running vehicles. Many older cars (unless they are a classic, or are in excellent condition) simply do not sell on retail lots. Again, wholesale auctions serve a useful purpose.
The key is this: We actively manage your donation to maximize its value to us as a charity and to you as a donor and a taxpayer.
See our examples of Donation Successes.
Check out how we maximize your donation.
Join us to see how to get started.
