In Memphis, the hard IRS deadline for a car donation tax deduction is simple: your vehicle must be picked up by December 31 of this year. With Rides for Pride, working with Heritage for the Blind, that means if you call or submit our 2-minute form by about December 27, we can virtually always guarantee a December 31 pickup slot in the Memphis Metro. We schedule free towing Monday–Saturday all year, including Christmas week, and in most Memphis-area neighborhoods we can often arrange same-day or next-day pickup when you reach us before early afternoon on weekdays.
Whether you’re in Midtown, East Memphis, Cordova, Germantown, Collierville, Bartlett, Southaven, or right near Beale Street, we’ll come to you — even if the car doesn’t run. No inspection, no repairs, and no towing cost. You just need a signed title; we handle the rest, and you receive a tax receipt from Heritage for the Blind, a registered 501(c)(3). If you’re looking at the calendar in November or December and wondering how late you can wait, the answer is clear: don’t risk it. Secure your pickup now, lock in your December 31 IRS deadline, and make a real difference before the year ends.
Your year-end donation timeline
1. Start your donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesFrom anywhere in the Memphis Metro, complete our quick online form or call us. It takes about two minutes to share your contact info, vehicle details, and preferred pickup times. Have your title handy so we can move fast for year-end scheduling.
2. Lock in your December pickup date
5-10 minutesOur team confirms your Memphis-area location and offers the earliest available slot — often same-day or next-day on weekday calls. To virtually guarantee a December 31 pickup, contact us by December 27–28 so we can place you on the year-end schedule.
3. Prepare your signed title for tow day
10 minutesBefore the driver arrives, complete and sign your Tennessee title. No need to clean the car or fix anything. The tow truck will meet you at home, work, or a shop in Midtown, East Memphis, Bartlett, or any nearby suburb and finalize the paperwork on the spot.
4. Free towing anywhere in the Memphis Metro
30-60 minutes at pickupOn your scheduled day — even during Christmas week — our towing partner comes out Monday–Saturday. Running or not, your vehicle is hauled away at no cost. Once the tow is complete before midnight December 31, your donation counts for this tax year.
5. Receive your tax receipt from Heritage for the Blind
Within 30 days of saleAfter your vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind mails you a written acknowledgment, and for qualifying donations they provide IRS Form 1098-C. You’ll use this documentation with your tax preparer to claim your deduction for this year’s return.
Year-end tax deduction facts
December 31 pickup = this year’s deduction
For IRS purposes, the donation date is when Heritage for the Blind legally receives the vehicle — at pickup. If your car is towed away on or before December 31, you may claim the deduction on this tax year’s return, even if it’s sold later.
You’ll receive a written tax receipt
After your car is picked up and processed, Heritage for the Blind sends you an official acknowledgment letter. This serves as your basic proof of donation and is essential documentation for your records and when you file your tax return.
Form 1098-C for larger deductions
If your vehicle qualifies for a deduction over the IRS threshold, Heritage for the Blind issues Form 1098-C. This form shows the gross proceeds from the sale and is used to substantiate your charitable contribution with the IRS on your return.
Schedule A is required to deduct
Vehicle donations are charitable contributions. To claim them, you must itemize your deductions on IRS Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Talk with your tax preparer to confirm whether itemizing makes sense for your situation.
30-day window for detailed paperwork
Once your vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind generally sends the more detailed written acknowledgment, and when applicable Form 1098-C, within about 30 days of the sale. Keep these documents with your tax records for audit protection.