In Utah, your car donation only counts for this year’s tax deduction if the vehicle is physically picked up on or before December 31. The IRS goes by the pickup date, not the date you schedule. That means if the tow truck doesn’t arrive until January 1, the deduction moves to next year’s return. To be safe, ReviveRides recommends scheduling your free pickup 3–5 business days before December 31 so Heritage for the Blind can get your vehicle picked up in time.
ReviveRides makes year-end car donation fast and local for Utah donors. Whether you’re in Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Ogden, Provo, Orem, Sandy, St. George, Layton, South Jordan, Lehi, or smaller communities from Logan to Cedar City, we help coordinate a smooth, no-cost pickup. Heritage for the Blind operates Monday through Saturday throughout the holiday season, and they accept most vehicles running or not—no emissions, safety inspection, or repairs needed. You’ll receive a written acknowledgment, and for vehicles sold for more than $500, an IRS Form 1098-C after it sells. But your deduction year is locked in as long as the pickup happens by December 31. Start now to secure your spot before the calendar closes.
Your year-end donation timeline
Tell us about your vehicle (2-minute form or call)
2 minutesShare your Utah location, basic vehicle details, and how to reach you. It takes about two minutes, whether you’re in Sugar House, Holladay, Bountiful, or Draper. No title questions or condition worries need to slow you down—non-running, older, or high-mileage cars are welcome.
Choose a pickup window before December 31
5 minutesOur team works with Heritage for the Blind’s Monday–Saturday tow schedule to lock in a pickup time that fits your calendar and still lands before December 31. Plan at least 3–5 business days ahead in busy year-end weeks around Christmas and New Year’s.
Confirm your deduction year is locked in
5 minutesOnce your pickup date is set on or before December 31, your deduction is tied to this tax year—because the IRS uses the actual date of pickup. We’ll email or text a confirmation so you can feel confident about your timing for your Utah state and federal returns.
Free pickup anywhere in Utah, running or not
30–60 minutes on pickup dayOn the scheduled day, the tow partner arrives at your Utah address—apartment, home, or workplace. You don’t need to clean, repair, or smog-check the car. They’ll handle loading and towing at no cost to you, then provide a basic pickup receipt on the spot when possible.
Receive your written acknowledgment and tax forms
Within weeks of vehicle saleAfter your vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment. If it sells for more than $500, you’ll receive IRS Form 1098-C. Keep this with your tax records when you itemize on Schedule A for your federal and applicable Utah returns.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Pickup date controls your deduction year
For vehicle donations, the IRS uses the date the charity takes possession of your car—when it’s actually towed away—not the day you schedule. A pickup on or before December 31 counts for this tax year’s return.
Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500
If Heritage for the Blind sells your donated vehicle for more than $500, they issue IRS Form 1098-C. This form shows the gross sale price, which generally sets the maximum amount you can deduct when itemizing.
Deduction usually equals the sale price
In most cases, your allowable federal deduction is the amount the charity receives when they sell your car. Exceptions exist (for example, if the vehicle is used directly for charitable work), but most donors use the final sale price from Form 1098-C.
You must itemize on Schedule A
To claim a car donation on your federal return, you need to itemize deductions on IRS Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Keep your acknowledgment and Form 1098-C with your records when filing.
Written acknowledgment follows after the sale
Your official written acknowledgment and, when required, Form 1098-C arrive after the vehicle is sold. Even if the paperwork comes later, your deduction year is based on the actual pickup date by Heritage for the Blind.