Donate Your Car by Dec 31 for 2024 Taxes in St. Louis

In the St. Louis Metro, it takes about two minutes to start and one quick call to lock in your free tow. Schedule pickup by December 31 and your donation counts for this tax year under IRS rules.

Need your car donation to count for this year’s taxes? In the St. Louis Metro, the IRS uses the pickup date as your donation date. That means if your vehicle is picked up on or before December 31, it applies to your 2024 tax year. With Rev Up Local and Heritage for the Blind, you can start in about two minutes, schedule a free tow that fits your calendar, and lock in your deduction before the deadline—often with same-day or next-business-day pickup.

We know year-end in St. Louis is busy—ice on I‑64, holiday traffic around Brentwood, last-minute runs from Florissant to South County. So we’ve made this fast and straightforward whether you’re in the Central West End, Maplewood, Kirkwood, O’Fallon, Belleville, or anywhere across the St. Louis Metro. Your car doesn’t need to run, pass inspection, or have current registration. You’ll donate locally through Rev Up Local, support Heritage for the Blind’s services for people who are blind or visually impaired, and receive the written tax acknowledgment you need. Start now; December pickup slots across the metro fill up quickly.

Your year-end donation timeline

1

Start the 2‑Minute Donation Form or Call

2 minutes

Right now, complete our simple online form or call Rev Up Local’s partner, Heritage for the Blind. Provide your contact info, basic vehicle details, and where it’s located in the St. Louis Metro. This locks you into the system and starts the clock toward your December 31 pickup.

2

Get a Fast Call Back to Schedule Pickup

1–2 hours on weekdays

A donation coordinator calls you back, usually within 1–2 business hours (often faster during weekday daytime), to confirm details and set your free tow time. We’ll work around your schedule in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Metro East, and nearby areas.

3

Confirm a Pickup Slot on or Before Dec 31

Same-day or next business day in most metros

You choose the earliest available date that works for you. As long as the tow truck physically picks up your vehicle on or before December 31, the IRS counts your donation for this tax year. December slots go fast, so schedule as early as possible to secure your ideal time.

4

Tow Truck Arrives and You Sign the Title

10–15 minutes at pickup

A licensed tow truck comes to your home, work, or storage lot—whether that’s downtown, in Chesterfield, Florissant, Arnold, or Collinsville. The driver guides you through signing the title over. The moment the vehicle is picked up, your donation is complete for IRS purposes.

5

Vehicle Sold and Tax Receipt Mailed

Receipt within 30 days of sale

Your car is transported, processed, and sold. Heritage for the Blind then mails you IRS Form 1098‑C or a written acknowledgment within 30 days of the sale. Keep this with your records and use it when you file your taxes and complete Schedule A for your itemized deduction.

Year-end tax deduction facts

Dec 31 pickup = this year’s deduction

For tax purposes, the IRS uses the date your vehicle is transferred—when the tow truck picks it up and you sign the title. If that happens on or before December 31, the donation is counted for the current tax year.

Form 1098‑C documents your donation

When Heritage for the Blind sells your vehicle, they send you IRS Form 1098‑C or a written acknowledgment within 30 days of the sale. This document shows the gross sale price and is what you’ll use to substantiate your deduction.

Deduction generally equals sale price

In most cases, your allowable charitable deduction is the vehicle’s gross sale price shown on Form 1098‑C, not the Blue Book estimate. There are limited exceptions (such as certain low-value or retained-use situations), so always review IRS rules or consult a tax professional.

You must itemize on Schedule A

To benefit from a car-donation tax break, you must itemize deductions on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. If you don’t itemize, you can still donate—it just means you won’t claim a separate tax deduction for the vehicle.

Qualified 501(c)(3) charity required

Heritage for the Blind is a recognized 501(c)(3) charity (EIN 58‑2164446). Donating through Rev Up Local means your gift goes to a qualified nonprofit, which is required for your car donation to be tax-deductible under IRS rules.

FAQ

If my car is picked up on December 31, does it definitely count for this year?
Yes. Under IRS rules, the key date is when you transfer the vehicle—when the tow truck picks it up and you sign over the title. If that happens on or before December 31, your donation is treated as made in this tax year. Just be sure the pickup is completed, not merely scheduled, by that date.
How late into December can I start the process and still make the deadline?
You can start very late in December, but availability gets tight. Same-day or next-business-day pickup is common in the St. Louis Metro earlier in the month, but year-end slots fill up quickly. To be safe, start the 2‑minute form or call as soon as you know you’d like to donate, so we can secure a pickup on or before December 31.
Does the car need to run, pass inspection, or have current registration?
No. Non-running vehicles, expired plates, and failed inspections are all okay. As long as the vehicle is accessible for a tow truck, we can usually accept it. You don’t need to invest in repairs or inspections just to donate. The tow is free, and we regularly handle non-running cars, trucks, and SUVs across the St. Louis Metro.
What paperwork do I need at pickup in Missouri or Illinois?
In Missouri or Illinois, you’ll generally need the vehicle title and a valid ID at pickup. The tow driver will guide you on where to sign. If you can’t find your title, still start the process—explain the situation to the coordinator, and they’ll let you know what options may be available based on state rules and the vehicle’s details.
When will I get my tax receipt and what will it show?
After your car is sold, Heritage for the Blind mails you IRS Form 1098‑C or a written acknowledgment within 30 days of the sale. This will typically show the gross sale price, the date of contribution, and the charity’s information. Keep it with your tax records to support your deduction when you file and complete Schedule A.
Can I still claim a deduction if the car sells for a low amount?
Yes. You can generally deduct the vehicle’s gross sale price as shown on Form 1098‑C, even if it’s on the lower side. The IRS focuses on the actual sale result, not estimates. If you have questions about how a specific sale amount affects your tax return, it’s best to check with your tax preparer or advisor.
Is there any cost to me for towing or processing the donation?
No. Pickup is free to you in the St. Louis Metro and nationwide. There are no towing charges, listing fees, or processing costs billed back to you. Your entire role is to start the form or call, schedule the pickup, sign the title at tow, and then keep the acknowledgment you receive for your tax records.

Related donation guides

Donate Before Year-End
Donate your car before year-end →
December Deadline
December car donation deadline →
Year-End Tax Deduction
Year-end car donation tax deduction →
You’re one simple step from locking in this year’s tax benefit and clearing that car out of your driveway, garage, or lot. Take two minutes right now to complete the Rev Up Local online form or call to donate through Heritage for the Blind. As long as your vehicle is picked up on or before December 31 anywhere in the St. Louis Metro, your donation counts for this tax year. There’s no cost for towing, non-running cars are welcome, and many donors receive tax receipts for vehicles worth $500 or more. December pickup slots go fast—start now so we can schedule your free tow on your timeline.

Related pages

Donate Before Year-End
Donate your car before year-end →
December Deadline
December car donation deadline →
Year-End Tax Deduction
Year-end car donation tax deduction →

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