In California, December 31 is the hard IRS cutoff: your vehicle must be picked up by December 31 for you to claim this year’s tax deduction. With Rev Up Hope, powered by Heritage for the Blind, pickups run Monday–Saturday all December, including Christmas week. In most California metro areas, if you contact us before early afternoon on a weekday, we can often schedule same-day or next-day towing. To be safe, call or submit the 2‑minute form by December 27–28 to guarantee a December 31 pickup window. Your tow is always free, and your car can be running or not.
Rev Up Hope proudly serves donors across California—from Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, and Orange County, to the Bay Area, San Jose, Sacramento, San Diego, Fresno, the Inland Empire, and beyond. We understand year‑end traffic, holiday travel, and tight schedules in places like Oakland, Pasadena, Long Beach, Riverside, and Chula Vista. Our local tow partners work through the final week of December so your donation is completed on time. All you need is a signed title, a quick phone call or online form, and a few available pickup windows. You’ll support Heritage for the Blind’s work for people who are blind or visually impaired—and lock in potential tax savings for this year.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your 2-minute donation
2 minutesComplete Rev Up Hope’s simple online form or call our California donation line. Have your vehicle location, basic condition, and title status ready. This locks in your donor record and lets our team prioritize your year-end pickup so you can beat the December 31 IRS deadline.
Confirm your best pickup day
2 minutesOur scheduling team reviews your request and offers the earliest available slot—often same or next business day in major California metros like LA, the Bay Area, San Diego, and Sacramento. Call by December 27–28 to comfortably secure a December 31 pickup window before schedules fill.
Prepare your signed California title
5–10 minutesLocate and sign your California vehicle title according to state rules. No smog check, repairs, or inspection are required. The tow driver will guide you on where to sign if needed. Having the title ready at pickup is essential for your donation and your IRS deduction documentation.
Free tow anywhere in California
30–60 minutes at pickupOn your chosen day, our professional towing partner arrives at your home, office, or storage lot—whether you’re in San Jose, Bakersfield, Oakland, Anaheim, or beyond. Non-running, damaged, or high‑mileage vehicles are welcome. Towing is always free to you, and pickup must be completed by December 31 for this year’s tax year.
Receive your donation receipt
Within a few weeksAt pickup, you’ll receive an initial receipt noting your vehicle has been taken for Rev Up Hope benefiting Heritage for the Blind. After the vehicle is sold, you’ll be mailed an IRS-compliant acknowledgment (and Form 1098‑C if applicable) so you can substantiate your charitable deduction when you file your taxes.
Claim your deduction on your return
At tax-filing timeBecause your vehicle was picked up by December 31, the donation counts for that tax year. When you file, you’ll use the value from your final receipt and Form 1098‑C (if required) to claim a potential deduction if you itemize on Schedule A.
Year-end tax deduction facts
December 31 controls the tax year
For vehicle donations, the IRS looks at the date the charity takes possession of your car. If Rev Up Hope’s tow truck picks up your vehicle on or before December 31, it generally counts as a donation for that calendar tax year.
Form 1098-C for higher-value vehicles
If your donated vehicle sells for more than the IRS reporting threshold, Heritage for the Blind will issue IRS Form 1098‑C. This form states the gross sale price and is used to substantiate your deduction when you file your federal return.
Deduction usually equals sale price
In most cases, the amount you can deduct is the gross sale price of the vehicle when Heritage for the Blind sells it. Your final acknowledgment (and Form 1098‑C when applicable) will list this amount so you can accurately report it to the IRS.
Receipt typically mailed within 30 days
After your vehicle is sold, you’ll receive a written acknowledgment from Heritage for the Blind, usually within about 30 days of the sale. Keep this receipt, and Form 1098‑C if issued, with your tax records for substantiating your charitable contribution.
Itemizing on Schedule A
To benefit from a federal tax deduction for your car donation, you must itemize deductions using Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Your tax professional can help you decide which option is better for your situation.