In Orlando, the hard IRS deadline is simple: your donated vehicle must be picked up by December 31 to count as a tax deduction for this year. With Orlando Auto Ally, powered by Heritage for the Blind (a registered 501(c)(3)), we run Monday–Saturday pickups all the way through December 31, including Christmas week. In most Orlando Metro locations, if you call before early afternoon on a weekday, we can often schedule same-day or next-business-day towing. For a guaranteed December 31 pickup slot, plan to call or submit our 2-minute form by December 27–28. Free towing, no inspection, and non-running cars are absolutely OK—as long as we have your signed title.
We’re local to the Orlando area and understand year-end crunch. Whether your car is in Winter Park, Kissimmee, Altamonte Springs, Clermont, Lake Nona, Conway, UCF/Waterford Lakes, or downtown near Lake Eola, we’ll arrange a free pickup anywhere in Orlando Metro. You’ll receive a donation receipt, and for vehicles that sell for more than $500, you’ll get IRS Form 1098‑C for your records. If you’re staring at an extra car in the driveway in College Park or a non-running vehicle in Pine Hills or Apopka, this is the fastest way to clear space and lock in your deduction before December 31.
Your year-end donation timeline
1. Start in 2 minutes online or by phone
2 minutesShare a few basics about your vehicle and Orlando pickup location using our secure online form or a quick call. No photos, no inspections, no pressure. Just tell us where the car is and that you want it picked up before December 31 for this tax year.
2. Choose your Orlando Metro pickup day
5 minutesOur team checks Orlando Metro tow availability—Downtown, Winter Park, Kissimmee, Altamonte Springs, Oviedo, Lake Nona, and more. Call by December 27–28 to lock in a December 31 slot. In many cases we can offer same-day or next-day pickup Monday–Saturday.
3. Prepare your signed title before the truck arrives
10–15 minutesTo complete your donation for this tax year, we need a properly signed title at pickup. We’ll walk you through how to sign it for Florida. No repairs are required; non-running and damaged vehicles are fine. Just remove your personal items and keep your plates if the state requires.
4. Free tow anywhere in Orlando Metro
15–30 minutes at pickupOur professional towing partner meets you (or designated contact) at your Orlando location—home, office, or shop. Pickup is free, even if the vehicle doesn’t run, has a dead battery, or flat tires. Once the vehicle is on the truck by December 31, your donation counts for this tax year.
5. Receive your tax receipt and 1098‑C (if applicable)
Within 30 days of saleYou’ll receive an initial donation receipt at or soon after pickup. After Heritage for the Blind sells the vehicle, they send you documentation— including IRS Form 1098‑C for vehicles that sell for more than $500—so you can claim your deduction when you file your return.
Year-end tax deduction facts
December 31 is the IRS cutoff
For vehicle donations, the IRS treats the deduction as made on the date the charity takes control of the car. That means your car must be picked up and accepted by December 31 for the deduction to apply to this tax year—not just scheduled.
How your deduction amount is calculated
In most cases, your deduction equals the amount Heritage for the Blind receives when your vehicle is sold, not the Kelley Blue Book value. You’ll receive documentation showing the gross sale price to support your claimed deduction on your tax return.
Form 1098‑C for donations over $500
If your donated vehicle is sold for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind will issue IRS Form 1098‑C. You’ll use the amount listed there to support your deduction and attach the form (or required info) to your tax return when you file.
Itemizing on Schedule A
To claim a vehicle donation, you must itemize deductions on Schedule A of your federal return instead of taking the standard deduction. Talk with your tax advisor or preparer to confirm whether itemizing, including your car donation, benefits you this year.
30‑day written acknowledgment
The IRS requires that you receive a written acknowledgment from the charity within 30 days of the vehicle’s sale or disposition. Heritage for the Blind sends this documentation after the sale so you have what you need for your records and potential audit support.