In Indiana, the hard IRS deadline for this year’s car donation deduction is December 31. Your vehicle must be picked up by December 31 to count for this tax year – scheduling alone isn’t enough. Hoosier Wheels, benefiting Heritage for the Blind, runs Monday–Saturday pickups all through Christmas week, including December 31, in most Indiana metro areas. Call or complete our 2‑minute form by December 27 (December 28 at the latest) to lock in a December 31 pickup window. Free towing is included, and we accept vehicles in almost any condition – even if they won’t start.
We serve donors across Indiana – from Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, and Greenwood to Fort Wayne, South Bend, Evansville, Bloomington, Lafayette, Muncie, Terre Haute, Gary, and Hammond. Once your signed title is ready, we handle the rest: quick dispatch, no inspections, and a tax receipt that can help you maximize your deduction. Your donated car, truck, SUV, or van supports Heritage for the Blind’s services for people who are blind or visually impaired, while also clearing your driveway before winter really settles in. If you’re searching in November or December and need a clear answer on the deadline, you have it: pickup completed by December 31, call by December 27. Start now to secure your preferred time.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesCall Hoosier Wheels or complete the quick online form with your Indiana address, basic vehicle info, and contact details. It truly takes about two minutes and there’s no obligation. We’ll immediately review your location and confirm that we can schedule you before the December 31 IRS deadline.
Confirm your pickup window
5 minutesOur team contacts you (often same‑day) to offer pickup slots. In most Indiana metro areas, we can do same‑day or next‑day pickups on weekday calls before early afternoon. Donate in late December? Call by December 27–28 to secure a December 31 pickup time for this tax year.
Prepare your signed Indiana title
5–10 minutesLocate your Indiana vehicle title and sign it where indicated for a donation/transfer. The tow driver cannot complete pickup without a properly signed title. If you’re unsure how to sign, we’ll walk you through the Indiana BMV requirements before your scheduled pickup date.
Free towing anywhere in Indiana
15–30 minutes at pickupOn your pickup day, the driver arrives at your home, workplace, or storage lot in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, or anywhere in Indiana. Your vehicle can be non‑running or damaged. There is no towing cost, no emissions test, and no repair or cleaning needed.
Receive your tax receipt and finalize deduction
Within 30 days of saleAfter pickup, your vehicle is sold to benefit Heritage for the Blind. You’ll receive a written tax acknowledgment (and IRS Form 1098‑C when applicable) within the IRS‑required timeframe. Because pickup occurred by December 31, you can claim your deduction for that tax year when you file.
Year-end tax deduction facts
December 31 controls the tax year
For IRS purposes, your donation counts for the year in which the charity takes possession. That means your car must be picked up and title transferred by December 31 to claim the deduction on this year’s Indiana/ federal return.
Your deduction is usually the sale price
In most cases, the IRS allows you to deduct the gross sale price of the donated vehicle, not the blue‑book estimate. Once your car is sold, we send documentation showing the sale amount so you can accurately report it on your tax return.
IRS Form 1098‑C for larger donations
If your vehicle sells for more than the IRS reporting threshold, you’ll receive IRS Form 1098‑C from Heritage for the Blind. Attach or reference this form with your federal return when claiming your non‑cash charitable vehicle deduction.
Itemizing on Schedule A
Vehicle donations are a charitable contribution. To benefit, you generally must itemize deductions on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Consult your tax advisor to see whether itemizing makes sense for your Indiana and federal tax situation.
30‑day written acknowledgment rule
The charity must send you a written acknowledgment – and 1098‑C when required – within 30 days of the vehicle’s sale or significant use. Keep this with your tax records as proof of your donation and the amount you’re deducting.