In Indiana, the IRS counts the day your vehicle is physically picked up — not the day you call — as your donation date. That means your car must be towed on or before December 31 to claim the deduction on this year’s taxes. To make that happen, Hoosier Wheels works with Heritage for the Blind to schedule fast, free pickups across Indiana, Monday through Saturday, including during the holiday rush. To be safe, schedule at least 3–5 business days before December 31 so we can lock in a pickup slot that qualifies for this tax year.
Whether you’re in Indianapolis (Broad Ripple, Fountain Square, Castleton), Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Bloomington, Lafayette, Muncie, Terre Haute, or anywhere in between, we’ll tow your car at no cost — running or not. No emissions test, no repairs, no inspection needed. After your donated vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment (and IRS Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500). Your deduction year is based on the pickup date, not when the letter arrives. Donate locally, support services for people who are blind or visually impaired, and clear your driveway before year-end — all in one simple step.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your Indiana donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesSubmit the quick Hoosier Wheels online form or call our Indiana donation line. Have your title (if available) and basic vehicle details ready. Tell us you need the car picked up by December 31 so we prioritize a year-end tax-deadline slot.
Get your pickup window confirmed
Same day or next business dayOur team, on behalf of Heritage for the Blind, calls to confirm your preferred date, address, and vehicle condition. We’ll clearly tell you whether we can pick up by December 31 in your Indiana area and lock in an eligible pickup window.
Prepare for towing day in Indiana
Day before pickupRemove personal items, license plates if your state requires, and locate your keys and title if you have it. Non-running vehicles are fine; just make sure the tow truck can access the car in your driveway, garage, alley, or parking lot.
Hand off your car and get a tow receipt
Pickup day (by Dec 31)On the scheduled date, the tow driver meets you anywhere in Indiana you designated. They complete the paperwork, hook up your vehicle, and leave you with a preliminary receipt showing the pickup date that locks in your tax-deduction year.
Receive your official tax acknowledgment
Within weeks after saleAfter your donated vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment and IRS Form 1098-C if the gross sale price is over $500. The letter confirms that your deduction applies to the tax year of the pickup date.
Year-end tax deduction facts
IRS counts pickup date, not call date
For vehicle donations, the IRS treats the donation date as when your car is actually picked up, not when you schedule. In Indiana, your tow must occur by December 31 to deduct it on this year’s federal return.
Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500
If your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind issues IRS Form 1098-C. This form shows the gross sale price, which generally becomes the maximum amount you can claim as a charitable deduction.
Deduction usually equals sale price
In most cases, your allowable deduction is the gross sale price of the vehicle, not a price guide estimate. The sale amount appears on your written acknowledgment or 1098-C, and that’s what you’ll use when you file your return.
You must itemize on Schedule A
To claim a vehicle donation, you must itemize deductions on Schedule A of your federal tax return. If you take the standard deduction, you won’t be able to claim an additional tax benefit for donating your car.
Acknowledgment generally mailed within 30 days of sale
Heritage for the Blind typically mails your written acknowledgment within 30 days after the vehicle is sold. The tax year that counts, however, is still tied to your pickup date, even if the letter arrives later.