The IRS sets your car-donation deduction date as the day your vehicle is actually picked up—not the day you call. To claim your deduction for this tax year, Steel Wheels must physically pick up your car by December 31. Because year-end slots fill fast around Columbus, we strongly recommend scheduling 3–5 business days before December 31 so our Heritage for the Blind towing team can guarantee a pickup in time. The form takes about 2 minutes, pickup is free, and non-running vehicles are welcome.
Steel Wheels partners with Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to turn Columbus Metro vehicle donations into vital services for people who are blind or visually impaired. We serve the entire region—from Clintonville, Bexley, and German Village to Dublin, Westerville, Grove City, Hilliard, Gahanna, Reynoldsburg, and beyond. There’s no inspection or repairs needed. Once your donated vehicle sells, you’ll receive a written acknowledgment (and IRS Form 1098-C for vehicles valued over $500), but the tax year that counts is the year it was picked up. Donate your car before year-end and get it done, locally, today.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2-minute Columbus donation form or call
2 minutesSubmit the quick online form with your contact info, vehicle details, and pickup address anywhere in the Columbus Metro area, or call to donate by phone. Have your title handy if possible, but reach out even if you’re not sure—we’ll walk you through what’s needed for a year-end donation.
Choose a pickup day before December 31
5 minutesTell us you need this year’s tax deduction. Heritage for the Blind dispatches Monday–Saturday through the holiday season, so we’ll work with you to lock in a pickup date before December 31. Aim to schedule 3–5 business days in advance to secure your preferred time.
Confirm free towing anywhere in Columbus Metro
5 minutesWe coordinate free towing from your home, work, or storage lot—whether you’re in Downtown, OSU/University District, Worthington, Canal Winchester, or any surrounding suburb. Running or not, no emissions test or repairs are required. Your IRS donation date will be the actual pickup day.
Sign the title and hand over the keys at pickup
10 minutesOn pickup day, the tow driver verifies your vehicle, has you sign the title (if applicable in Ohio), and gives you an initial donation receipt. As long as the truck arrives by December 31, your donation counts for this tax year—even though the vehicle may sell later.
Receive your tax paperwork after the vehicle sells
VariesAfter your vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment and, for qualifying vehicles over $500, IRS Form 1098-C. This paperwork confirms the final deductible amount, but your deduction applies to the year the car was picked up, not when the form arrives.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Pickup date = deduction year
For IRS purposes, your car donation date is the day the vehicle is actually picked up, not when you schedule or complete the form. To claim a deduction for this year, your Columbus pickup must happen on or before December 31.
Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500
If your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind will issue IRS Form 1098-C. This shows the gross proceeds from the sale and is used to support your charitable deduction when you itemize on your tax return.
You generally deduct the sale price
In most cases, the IRS limits your deduction to the amount the charity receives from selling your vehicle. That final sale price—shown on your acknowledgment or Form 1098-C—is the figure you use when you itemize on Schedule A of your return.
Written acknowledgment within about 30 days of sale
After your car sells, Heritage for the Blind sends a written acknowledgment (and 1098-C when required), typically within about 30 days of the sale. You don’t need it by December 31—the key timing rule is that your vehicle was picked up by year-end.
Itemizing on Schedule A
To claim a car-donation deduction, you must itemize deductions on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Consult your tax professional to confirm whether itemizing and claiming your Columbus vehicle donation makes sense for your situation.