In New York, the IRS rule is simple: your vehicle must be picked up by December 31 to count for this tax year. With Metro Wheels, working with Heritage for the Blind, we schedule Monday–Saturday pickups all through December, including Christmas week. In most NYC Metro locations, call before early afternoon on a weekday and we can usually arrange same‑day or next‑day towing. To guarantee a December 31 pickup window, contact us by December 27–28. Your tow is always 100% free, and your tax deduction is based on the charity’s sale price.
We know New Yorkers are busy and year‑end comes fast. Whether your car is in Brooklyn (Park Slope, Williamsburg, Flatbush), Queens (Astoria, Flushing, Jamaica), the Bronx, Staten Island, or Manhattan—or suburbs like Yonkers, New Rochelle, Nassau, and Westchester—Metro Wheels makes it easy. A 2‑minute form or quick phone call starts everything. No inspection, no repairs, and non‑running vehicles are welcome. As long as you have a properly signed New York title and we complete pickup by December 31, your donation can qualify for a deduction on this year’s return and help fund vital services for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesFill out our quick online form or call Metro Wheels. Share your contact info, New York location, and basic vehicle details. It truly takes about two minutes, and you’ll immediately get a confirmation that your donation request is in motion for this tax year.
Confirm title and choose a pickup day
5 minutesHave your New York title ready and signed where instructed. Our team reviews your info, confirms we can accept the vehicle, and offers pickup windows. Call by December 27–28 to lock in a December 31 slot in the New York City Metro area.
Free tow anywhere in the NYC Metro
Same-day or next-day in many casesA licensed towing partner comes to your street, garage, or lot in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, or nearby suburbs. Running or not, your car is towed at no cost to you. The key for taxes: the actual pickup happens by December 31.
Donation processed with Heritage for the Blind
A few days to several weeksMetro Wheels coordinates with Heritage for the Blind to process and sell your vehicle. Once sold, they determine the sale price that generally becomes your potential deduction amount, subject to IRS rules. You don’t handle the sale, paperwork, or buyer—everything is managed for you.
Receive your IRS-ready tax receipt
Within about 30 days of saleHeritage for the Blind mails you a written acknowledgment and, when required, IRS Form 1098‑C. This shows the charity’s sale price and date so you can document your deduction. Keep it with your tax records and give it to your preparer when filing your return.
Year-end tax deduction facts
December 31 pickup = this year’s deduction
For IRS purposes, your car donation counts in the tax year when the charity actually takes possession. That means the tow truck must complete pickup by December 31 if you want the deduction on this year’s federal return.
Form 1098-C for larger deductions
If your donated vehicle sells for more than the IRS threshold, the charity will usually issue Form 1098‑C. This form shows the sale price and other key details the IRS expects when you claim a larger vehicle donation deduction.
Deduction usually equals charity sale price
In most cases, the IRS limits your deduction to the amount the charity actually receives when it sells the vehicle, not the Kelley Blue Book value. Your receipt will list this sale price, which is what you typically use on your return.
Itemizing on Schedule A
To benefit from a car donation, you generally must itemize deductions on Schedule A of your federal return instead of taking the standard deduction. Ask your tax preparer whether itemizing makes sense for your situation this year.
30-day written acknowledgment
Charities are generally required to send you a written acknowledgment, often within about 30 days after the vehicle is sold or after the donation is completed. Keep this document—it’s your proof to the IRS that the car was donated and accepted.