How to Donate a Car for a Vacation

• 1). Select the organization you will use to donate your car. Each organization will have slightly different criteria for accepting your car in exchange for a vacation. For example, some will require the car to be valued at least $500 or that it is running or current with inspections. Typically, the more requirements an organization has, the longer the vacation that is awarded. Some of the more popular car donation organizations include: cardonation.com and kars4kids.com. Both support a variety of charities from The March of Dimes to prison literacy programs.
  
  
• 2). Compile all necessary information from your car. Again, this can vary depending on the organization you choose but the most frequently requested information is: Vehicle Title, VIN number (located on the bottom, inside of the driver's side front door), mileage, car make, model and year. You will also need to answer some contact information such as your cell phone, address, email, etc.
  
  
• 3). Wait for the phone call to arrange pickup. The call will come quickly. Some organizations even promise to contact you as soon as 24 hours after receiving your car information form. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions or explain other features of the car that were not listed on the form.
  
  
• 4). Provide the pick-up party with the title and collect your tax deduction form along with your vacation voucher. Some organizations give you a vacation voucher in person after the pickup, while others allow you to select your trip of choice from their website. When the organization removes the car from your property, they will also provide you with the "Fair Market Tax Deduction" paperwork which entitles you to a tax write-off for the amount of money the vehicle is determined to be worth if you sold it at a dealership.
  
  
• 5). Select your vacation. Most organizations allow you to choose whether you want a shorter, more luxurious vacation or a longer, moderate vacation. The vacation is issued for two people and includes choices from the Virgin Islands to a cruise to skiing destinations.