Donating a car in memory of a loved one is a heartfelt way to honor their legacy, especially if they cherished that vehicle. At Rev Up Local, we understand the significance of this gesture and are here to help you navigate the donation process seamlessly.
To successfully donate a vehicle in memory of a deceased spouse, parent, or relative, the title must be in the name of the current owner. We will recognize your tribute in our records and can send a notification card to your loved one’s family, ensuring they know of your generous gift.
How to make it happen
Confirm Ownership
Ensure the title of the vehicle is in your name. The IRS requires that the donation be made by the current owner to issue a valid tax receipt.
Gather Details
Prepare the car's title, registration, and any information regarding the loved one you wish to honor, including their name for our records and notification.
Contact Us
Reach out to Rev Up Local to discuss the donation process. We’ll guide you through the logistics and paperwork required for the donation.
Schedule Pick-Up
Once everything is in order, schedule a time for us to pick up the vehicle. We’ll handle all the necessary paperwork at this stage.
Receive Confirmation and Tax Receipt
After the donation is processed, you will receive a confirmation and an IRS tax receipt for your records, ensuring you get the tax benefits you deserve.
Common gotchas
Title Still in Deceased's Name
Tip: If the title is still in your deceased loved one's name, you may need to go through the estate probate process to transfer it to your name before donating.
Notification Confusion
Tip: Ensure you provide the correct details for the tribute card to prevent any confusion when notifying family members about the donation.
IRS Tax Receipt Thresholds
Tip: Remember that if the vehicle sells for less than $500, you’ll receive a different tax receipt. We recommend checking the current market value before proceeding.
If this path doesn't fit
If donating the car isn’t feasible due to title issues or family circumstances, consider honoring your loved one through other means, such as contributing to a charity of their choice or creating a memorial fund. Rev Up Local can provide guidance on how to honor their memory in a meaningful way.
St. Louis DMV specifics
In Missouri, you'll need to complete a lien release if applicable and surrender the license plates during the donation process. Be prepared to submit the title to the DMV once the vehicle is sold. It's essential to follow state-specific guidelines, so check the Missouri DMV website for detailed paperwork requirements.