Donating your car for a 2024 tax deduction in the Lexington metro? The IRS deadline is firm: your vehicle must be picked up and transferred by December 31 for the deduction to count this tax year. With Bluegrass Wheels, towing is free anywhere in and around Lexington, and pickups run Monday–Saturday all the way through December 31, including Christmas week. Same-day or next-business-day service is available in most metro areas when you contact us before early afternoon on weekdays. To be safe, call or submit the 2‑minute form by December 27 to lock in a December 31 time slot.
Bluegrass Wheels partners with Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) supporting people who are blind or visually impaired. We make Lexington giving simple—whether you’re in Chevy Chase, Beaumont, Masterson Station, Hamburg, Nicholasville, Georgetown, Versailles, or anywhere across the Lexington metro. Your vehicle can be running or not, and you’ll receive a tax receipt after it sells. Have your signed Kentucky title ready, answer a few quick questions, and we’ll handle the rest so you can cross “year‑end donation” off your list and still claim your deduction when you file.
Your year-end donation timeline
Step 1 – Start your donation (2-minute form or call)
2 minutesFrom anywhere in the Lexington metro, complete our fast online form or call Bluegrass Wheels. Share your contact info, vehicle location, and basic details. Mention you want your donation to count for this tax year so we can prioritize your pickup before December 31.
Step 2 – Confirm a pickup day and time
5 minutesOur towing partner, Heritage for the Blind, will contact you to schedule. In Lexington, most cars can be picked up same-day or next-day on weekdays if you reach out before early afternoon. Call by December 27–28 to safely reserve a Dec 31 slot if needed.
Step 3 – Prepare your signed Kentucky title
5–10 minutesBefore the truck arrives at your Lexington address, sign your Kentucky title as the seller and remove your license plates per state rules. No emissions test, inspection, or repairs are required. The tower will guide you if you have questions when they arrive.
Step 4 – Free pickup anywhere in Lexington Metro
15–30 minutesOn pickup day, the tow truck comes to your home, workplace, or storage lot—whether that’s downtown Lexington, Richmond Road, Tates Creek, or surrounding towns. Tow is always free, even for non‑running or damaged vehicles. Your donation is complete when the vehicle is taken on or before Dec 31.
Step 5 – Receive your tax receipt after the sale
Within weeks of saleHeritage for the Blind will sell your donated vehicle and mail you a written acknowledgement and, when required, IRS Form 1098‑C. Keep this with your records for tax filing. If the car sells for $500 or more, your receipt will show the sale price for your deduction.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 controls which tax year you claim
For vehicle donations, the IRS looks at the date the charity takes possession. If your car is picked up on or before December 31, it generally counts as a donation for that tax year when you itemize deductions.
You’ll receive a written receipt from the charity
After your car is sold by Heritage for the Blind, you’ll get a written acknowledgement showing key details. Keep this with your tax records as proof of your charitable contribution for the year of pickup.
Form 1098-C for larger vehicle deductions
If your donated vehicle sells for more than the IRS threshold, Heritage for the Blind will issue Form 1098‑C. This form reports the gross sale price, which you generally use to calculate your allowable deduction.
Deduction usually equals the sale price
In most cases, you can deduct the gross amount the charity receives when it sells your vehicle, not the Kelley Blue Book value. Your receipt or Form 1098‑C will show this sale price for your Schedule A.
Itemizing on Schedule A is required
To benefit from a car donation tax deduction, you must itemize deductions on IRS Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Consult a tax professional to confirm which option is best for your situation.