How the car donation process works
You schedule a free Utah vehicle pickup
Start by telling ReviveRides about your car, truck, van, SUV, motorcycle, or other eligible vehicle. Free towing is available across Utah communities, including Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, Orem, Sandy, Ogden, Layton, Logan, Park City, and St. George. You do not need to clean up every cosmetic issue or make repairs before pickup. A towing partner will arrange a convenient time, collect the vehicle, and help move the donation forward for Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446.
The vehicle is assessed after pickup
After pickup, the donated vehicle is reviewed for basic condition, including whether it runs, its mileage, visible damage, market demand, and likely resale value. This assessment helps determine the most practical path. ReviveRides does not ask donors to guess the outcome in advance. A clean-running sedan from Sugar House may be handled differently than a high-mileage work truck from Lehi or a non-running SUV in Taylorsville. The goal is simple: choose the sale channel that can generate the best proceeds for Heritage for the Blind.
Running, resalable vehicles typically go to auction
If your donated vehicle runs and appears to be in resalable condition, it will typically be sent to a public or dealer auction. At auction, buyers compete to purchase the vehicle, and the final gross sale price determines the donation value reported for tax purposes when the vehicle sells for more than $500. The car is not usually handed directly to a family in need. Instead, the auction sale converts your Utah vehicle into funds that support Heritage for the Blind programs serving blind and visually impaired Americans.
Non-running or high-mileage vehicles may be sold for parts
If your vehicle does not run, has heavy damage, very high mileage, missing components, or repair costs that outweigh resale potential, it will typically be sold to a licensed salvage or parts buyer. This does not mean your donation is wasted. Older vehicles, damaged cars, and cars that have been sitting in a driveway in places like Murray, Bountiful, or Spanish Fork can still create charitable revenue. The parts, metal, and usable components may have value, and those proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind.
Proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind and your tax form follows
Once the vehicle sells, the gross sale proceeds are directed to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, you receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price, which is generally the amount you use for your charitable tax deduction if you itemize. Keep the form with your tax records and speak with a tax advisor if you have questions. Your donated car becomes mission-supporting revenue for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is available for Utah donors in Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, St. George, and nearby suburbs.
Running vehicles in resalable condition typically go to public or dealer auction after they are picked up.
Non-running, damaged, or high-mileage vehicles are typically sold to licensed salvage or parts buyers.
Sale proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446.
Vehicles selling for more than $500 generate IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price.
Donors can also visit nhftb.org/finder to check benefit eligibility resources connected by Heritage for the Blind.