Is there a cost to donate my vehicle?

Absolutely not! In fact, you will be eligible to receive a tax deduction for your donated car, up to its fair-market value. And, Good News Garage will tow or pick up your vehicle free of charge.

Is it time consuming to donate a vehicle to Good News Garage?

No. The car donation process is fast and easy. Donated vehicles are typically picked up within three to 10 days after we receive the title, depending on where the vehicle is located. You can start your online donation here.

What do I need to donate my vehicle to Good News Garage?

In most cases, all you need is the car’s certificate of title and the keys.

In Vermont, a title is only required for vehicles that are 15 years old or newer. See the VT DMV’s title webpage for details.

New Hampshire does not title motor vehicles that have a model year of 1999 or older.

Massachusetts vehicles with a model year of 1980 and older, purchased before November 26, 1990 are exempt from titling.

How do I sign my vehicle's title?

For most states, you simply add our name and address to the second page of the title in the “Buyer’s Info” fields, then sign and date it. Please do not add your car’s mileage or check any mileage boxes. See our sample titles for instructions: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont.

What will happen to the vehicle after I donate it?

Our goal is to award as many donated cars as possible to neighbors in need.

We evaluate each donated vehicle to see if it would be appropriate for a low-income client. If the vehicle is deemed to be a good fit, we will repair it as necessary and award it to a New England neighbor. Donated vehicles that require excessive repairs or would be too expensive for our recipients to maintain are sold at a local auction. The funds from these cars are critical to helping us pay for repairs on vehicles that are awarded to clients, making sure they are safe and reliable. No matter what, your donated vehicle helps your neighbors in need. Every donated car makes a difference!

Will Good News Garage pick up my car?

Good News Garage will tow or pick up your vehicle free-of-charge. We will work with you to schedule a time for pick-up that’s convenient for you. 

Can I donate a high-value vehicle?

Yes! We welcome donations of luxury or high-valued vehicles (classic and antique). These valuable donations help Good News Garage raise funds for our program and pay for repair costs associated with vehicles that are awarded to families in need. Check out our blog post about a donated 1984 Mercedes Benz.

Can I donate other types of motorized vehicles?

In addition to cars, trucks, and vans, you can donate your boat, motorcycle, moped, commercial van, handicapped-equipped vehicle, RV, tractor and more! Depending on the vehicle, Good News Garage may find it a new home or auction it to support our programs. Either way, donating any vehicle supports our program and helps us provide affordable, reliable cars to neighbors in need!

Is my car donation tax deductible?

Yes! Good News Garage is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and is one of the few car donation charities in the country that can offer a fair market tax deduction if your donated car is awarded to a family in need. This can mean hundreds, even thousands more in tax deductions than other charities can offer. You can find more information about vehicles as charitable donations in the IRS publication 4303 “A Donor’s Guide to Vehicle Donation.” We encourage you to speak with a tax preparer to fully understand your tax deduction before donating.

When will I know what my tax deduction is?

Once the car is either delivered to a family or sold, we will send your official tax paperwork for your donated vehicle. This process can take anywhere from four to 12 weeks since we need time to finalize the sale of the vehicle.

What do free gifts and tax deductions have to do with each other?

Unlike many other car donation programs, Good News Garage does not offer “free gifts” in exchange for car donations. Gifts impact the value of your charitable tax deduction. According to the IRS Publication 526: Charitable Contributions, any benefit received as a result of the donation must offset the tax deduction. Good News Garage does not offer gifts for vehicle donations, because we do not wish to devalue your tax deduction.

Can a car donation be a part of my planned giving strategy?

Absolutely! When looking for ways to reduce your tax liability, car donations can provide a unique opportunity to both benefit your finances and contribute to a meaningful cause. Read more in our blog post, “Using Car Donations to Reduce Tax Liability: A Smart and Generous Strategy for Planned Giving.”

Where can I find more information about tax deductions?

Please refer to IRS Publication 4303: “A Donor’s Guide to Vehicle Donations” for more information. This tax deduction information is meant to give a general overview of the car donation tax law. Please consult with a professional tax preparer before donating your vehicle.

You can also check out our blog post for more information, “How do Vehicle Tax Deductions Work?”