Donate Your Car Before December 31 in Michigan — Free Tow, Dec 31 Pickup Available

In Michigan, the IRS counts your vehicle donation on the day it’s picked up—not the day you fill out the form. When you donate your car through Great Lakes Givers to benefit Heritage for the Blind, a licensed tow truck can come to your driveway by December 31 in most metro areas. That pickup date is your official donation date for this tax year. Start now: fill out a quick 2‑minute form or call, schedule your free tow, sign your title at pickup, and your deduction is locked in for this year once the truck loads your vehicle.

We’re built for Michigan donors who want this done fast and locally. From Detroit, Southfield, Warren, and Dearborn to Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Holland, Lansing, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Flint, Kalamazoo, and beyond, we arrange free pickup at your home, office, or shop. Your car doesn’t need to run, pass inspection, or have recent registration. Proceeds support Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) helping people who are blind or visually impaired. Year‑end pickup slots fill quickly across the Great Lakes region—especially the last week of December—so if you’re aiming for a this‑year deduction, schedule your tow now.

Your year-end donation timeline

Start your donation in 2 minutes

2 minutes

Complete our secure online form with your contact info, vehicle details, and preferred pickup window, or call Great Lakes Givers for Heritage for the Blind. No paperwork needed yet. Once you click submit or call, you’re in the system and we can start working to secure a pickup slot before December 31 anywhere in Michigan.

Get a quick scheduling call

Within 1–2 business hours

A Michigan-based coordinator calls you back within 1–2 hours on weekdays (often sooner) to confirm your details and schedule your free tow. You pick the date and time window. To count for this tax year, choose a pickup date on or before December 31—your IRS donation date is the day the truck arrives.

Free tow truck pickup at your address

Same day or next business day in most metro areas

In metro Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Flint, and other major Michigan areas, a licensed tow truck usually arrives the same day or next business day. Rural and Upper Peninsula pickups may take a bit longer. The tow is always free, and your vehicle doesn’t need to run, pass inspection, or have current plates.

Sign the title and lock in your deduction

5–10 minutes at pickup

At the truck’s arrival, you hand over your keys (if available) and sign your Michigan title over following our clear instructions. The moment the tow truck takes possession of the vehicle on or before December 31, the IRS considers your donation made for this tax year—your deduction is locked to that pickup date.

Vehicle sale and tax receipt by mail

Within 30 days of sale

Your vehicle is transported, processed, and sold. Heritage for the Blind sends you IRS Form 1098‑C or a written acknowledgment by mail within 30 days of the sale. That document shows the gross sale price and is what you’ll use when you file your itemized deduction with your federal taxes.

Year-end tax deduction facts

Pickup date = your IRS donation date

For vehicle donations, the IRS considers your gift made on the date the charity or its agent takes control of the car. If your tow truck pickup in Michigan happens on or before December 31, that donation can be claimed on this year’s federal return.

You’ll receive IRS Form 1098‑C

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 shows key details, including the gross sales price, and is what you keep with your tax records for your vehicle donation.

Deduction usually equals the sale price

In most cases, the amount you can deduct is the gross sale price of the vehicle shown on Form 1098‑C, not the Kelley Blue Book value. You’ll use that figure when you itemize your charitable contributions on Schedule A of your federal income tax return.

Itemizing on Schedule A is required

To claim a federal tax deduction for your Michigan car donation, you must itemize deductions using Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. If you’re unsure whether itemizing makes sense, consult a tax professional or preparer before filing.

30‑day receipt rule after the sale

By IRS rules, for larger vehicle donations the charity must provide a written acknowledgment within 30 days of the sale. Heritage for the Blind meets this by sending your 1098‑C or acknowledgment promptly once your car is sold, so you have proof ready at tax time.

FAQ

If my car is picked up on December 31 in Michigan, is the deduction really for this year?

Yes. For IRS purposes, your donation date is the day Heritage for the Blind (through Great Lakes Givers’ towing partner) takes possession of your vehicle. If your car is physically picked up on or before December 31—whether you submitted the form earlier in the month or that same week—you can claim the deduction for this tax year, assuming you itemize.

How late in December can I schedule pickup and still make the deadline?

As long as the tow truck actually picks up your vehicle on or before December 31, it can count for this tax year. However, Michigan year‑end slots fill quickly, especially in Metro Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Ann Arbor. Submit your form or call as early as possible in December so we can secure a pickup date and time that works for you before the cutoff.

Do I get my tax receipt right away when the car is towed?

You’ll receive your formal tax acknowledgment after the vehicle is sold, not at the curb. Heritage for the Blind will mail IRS Form 1098‑C or a written acknowledgment within 30 days of the sale. Keep that with your records. Even though the receipt comes later, your deductible donation date is still the actual pickup date in December.

Can I donate a non‑running or unregistered car and still deduct it?

Yes. In Michigan, your car does not need to run, pass inspection, or have current registration or plates to be accepted. We’ll coordinate a free tow from your driveway, street, or lot. As long as you have a proper Michigan title to sign over and the pickup happens on or before December 31, your non‑running vehicle can still qualify for a deduction if you itemize.

What paperwork do I need for my Michigan car donation?

You mainly need your Michigan vehicle title. At pickup, you’ll sign the title over following our instructions so Heritage for the Blind can legally take ownership. You don’t need emissions or inspection paperwork, and recent registration isn’t required. Later, you’ll receive Form 1098‑C by mail, which you’ll keep with your tax records to support your deduction.

How is my deduction amount determined for my donated vehicle?

In most cases, the deductible amount is the gross sale price of your vehicle, which will be shown on IRS Form 1098‑C from Heritage for the Blind. That’s typically what you can claim when you itemize on Schedule A. There are some special rules for lower‑value vehicles and certain uses; if you have questions about your specific situation, a tax professional can advise you.

Does donating my car through Great Lakes Givers really help locally?

Your donation benefits Heritage for the Blind, a registered 501(c)(3) that provides services for people who are blind or visually impaired. While pickup is coordinated throughout Michigan—from Detroit and Flint to Kalamazoo and Traverse City—the impact supports vital programs for individuals facing vision loss. You clear your driveway, earn a possible tax deduction, and support meaningful services at the same time.

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December Deadline

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Year-End Tax Deduction

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You’re one fast step away from locking in this year’s tax deduction in Michigan. If you want your car donation to count for this tax year, the tow truck must arrive on or before December 31—and year‑end slots go quickly. Take two minutes now to complete the Great Lakes Givers online form or call to schedule your free pickup for Heritage for the Blind. Your car doesn’t need to run, and pickup is always free. Act now so your donation date—and your potential tax deduction—are safely on this year’s calendar.

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 →