At Wheels of Hope, we know that donating your car is a significant decision, and it’s natural to have questions about what happens after you make that donation. This page is dedicated to transparency, guiding you through each step of the process from pickup to the receipt you’ll file with your tax return.
Here, we detail the timeline and procedures that ensure your donation has a meaningful impact while providing you with the necessary documentation for your taxes. We believe in accountability and want you to feel confident in your choice to support our mission.
✓Key facts you can verify
- Wheels of Hope is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity.
- Donors can verify our status through IRS pub78 lookup.
- We list vehicles sold at auction on our website after sale.
- Vehicles used directly in our programs provide fair market value deductions.
- Your donation helps fund transportation assistance for low-income families.
- We maintain a publicly available Form 990 each year.
- All proceeds from sales directly support our charity programs.
How it works, step by step
Pickup (Day 0)
Once you schedule a pickup with Wheels of Hope, our team arrives at your location to collect the vehicle. The car is towed to our facility at no cost to you.
Transport to Auction Lot (Day 0-5)
Following pickup, your vehicle is transported to our secure auction lot. We ensure it is safely stored until it undergoes inspection and paperwork processing.
Inspection + Title Verification (Day 3-10)
Our team inspects the vehicle to assess its condition and verifies the title to ensure a smooth auction process. This step helps determine how your donation will be used.
Auction Listing (Day 7-21)
Once inspected, your vehicle is listed for auction. This listing includes details and photos to attract potential buyers and maximize sale proceeds.
Sale (Day 14-45)
The vehicle is sold at auction, typically within 14 to 45 days post-listing. The proceeds from the sale are crucial to funding our community programs.
Proceeds Distribution (Day 30-60)
Proceeds from the sale are allocated to our programs that provide transportation assistance to individuals and families in need within our community.
1098-C Receipt Mailed (Day 30-60)
You will receive a 1098-C tax receipt by mail within 30 days of sale, detailing the sale price or fair market value based on how your vehicle was utilized.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS Status Verification
How: You can verify our 501(c)(3) status through the IRS pub78 lookup tool, confirming our legitimacy as a charitable organization.
✓ Charity Navigator Rating
How: Visit Charity Navigator to see our rating and reviews, which reflect our financial health and accountability in managing donations effectively.
✓ South Carolina Attorney General Registry
How: Access the South Carolina Attorney General’s registry to check our registration status and compliance with state charitable solicitation laws.
✓ Form 990 Accessibility
How: You can request our Form 990 from our website or access it via GuideStar, showcasing our revenue, expenses, and program impact.
✓ Better Business Bureau Profile
How: Check out our Better Business Bureau profile for information on our operational practices and commitments to ethical standards.
Real impact, real numbers
Thanks to generous donors like you, Wheels of Hope has been able to provide over 1,000 rides to low-income families in Charleston over the last year. Each vehicle donation helps fund our transportation assistance program, which was able to help families access job interviews and critical medical appointments, ultimately leading to increased employment and improved health outcomes. This year alone, we distributed more than $50,000 towards vehicle repairs for those who need them most.
Charleston oversight
In Charleston, South Carolina, charitable organizations are overseen by the state Attorney General's office, which provides resources for potential complaints and consumer protection. If you'd like to verify our status or have concerns, you can contact their office directly. Additionally, local resources like the Charleston Better Business Bureau offer comprehensive insights into our community engagement and operational transparency.
FAQ
How can I be sure my donation is used for good?
What happens if my car doesn't sell?
How is the value of my car determined for tax purposes?
What if I don’t receive my 1098-C in time for tax filing?
Can I donate a non-operational vehicle?
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Who can I contact for more information?
More transparency pages
Ready to make a difference? Your car donation is not just a contribution; it’s a lifeline for families in need of transportation. Join us in supporting Wheels of Hope’s mission by donating your vehicle today, and let’s drive change together!