Thursday, June 17, 2010

DONATE A CAR and GIVE HOPE TO A CHILD

DONATE A CAR & GIVE HOPE TO A CHILD Kars4kids Car Donation program will accept your used car donations. With your vehicle donation, you'll receive a receipt for an IRS tax deduction, free towing, plus a free vacation voucher!
The car donation process is simple and convenient. Just fill out our quick and easy online car donations form.
Kars for kids will provide quick hassle free pick-up when you donate a car. The average contact time for scheduling a free pickup for your car donation is 24 hours and in many instances as little as 2 business hours. There is absolutely no charge when you donate a car.
We have experienced, trained operators ready to guide you through the car donation process. Call 1.877. Kars.4.Kids, 24 hours a day, to donate a car

Car Donation Program Misleading Claims - Beware

Some car donation programs make claims that are misleading to persons wishing to make a car donation. Facts about claims concerning car donation.
Help a child when emergencies occur. Donate Your Vehicle...
• Fast Free Towing all vehicles
• Tax Deduction (or free vacation)
• All With No Paper-work Hassle!
If you wish to make a car donation please BE AWARE of the following misleading terminology or procedures:
Maximum Deduction
Full Fair Market Value
Fully Tax Deductible
Tax Credit
Offering a Free Vacation AND a Tax Deduction
Car Donation Tax Deduction
These statements give the impression that the charity can provide something special to that donor by using that charity.
They seem to say, "If you make your car donation to our charity you will receive __________," (which would be some sort of tax benefit that perhaps another charity cannot provide--This is misleading).
No charity can influence or declare how much tax benefit you will receive from a car donation.
Maximum Deduction -- Full Fair Market Value
Your car donation tax deduction is based on the Actual Fair Market Value. You do not magically receive the "maximum deduction" or the "full fair market value." There is no such thing.
And according to the New Tax Law which went into effect January 1, 2005 the fair market value of a vehicle is no longer the primary determining factor. Please visit our New Tax Law Section to get the up-to-date information on noncash charitable deductions for vehicle donations.
The IRS makes this quite clear in IRS Publication 526 and IRS Publication 561 (see our car donation IRS information page) and in the following release:
IRS AND STATE CHARITY OFFICIALS URGE CARE WHEN MAKING A CAR DONATION
Source: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-news/ir01-112.pdf
Here are a few quotes from that news release:
“When done correctly, donating a used car to a charity can help both the charity and the taxpayer,” said IRS Commissioner Charles Rossotti. “We want people to take a few simple steps to avoid possible problems and to make sure they get the proper tax deduction for their donation. Don’t get taken for a ride.’’
Fully Tax Deductible — Tax Credit
The statement "Fully Tax Deductible" is very misleading. The donation IS "fully tax deductible" for some people BUT NOT for everyone.
To be able to have any tax deduction the person must itemize their deductions. Less than 50 % of Americans itemize deductions.
Another quote from the above IRS Release:
"ITEMIZE IN ORDER TO BENEFIT – Many taxpayers can’t take a deduction for car donations because they don’t itemize deductions on their personal tax return. For taxpayers, the decision to itemize is determined by whether their total itemized deductions are greater than the standard deduction (for 2001, the standard deduction will be $4,550 for single; $7,600 for married filing jointly). Less than one-third of the nearly 128 million individual taxpayers itemized in 1999, the last year for which complete data is available."
The statement that you will receive a "Tax Credit" is FALSE. There is no such thing as a tax credit for a car donation.
Offering a Free Vacation AND a Tax Deduction
If a charity provides a commodity, for example a vacation package, in exchange for a car or vehicle donation then the tax receipt from that charity must state the fair market value of that commodity (the free vacation) and the fair market value of that commodity must be subtracted from the value of the car donation. In other words your tax deduction will be less.
For example, if your vehicle sells for $1000.00 at auction and your vacation package that you receive has a fair market value of $400.00 you can only deduct $600.00. $1000.00 for the donated car, $400.00 is for the vacation package and $600.00 would be the maximum you could deduct. ($1000.00 - $400.00 = $600.00)
We certainly do not want donors to be shocked be receiving a tax letter that states they have to subtract the fair market value of the vacation from the value of their vehicle.
For more information on this you can view this page: Car Donation Tax Deductions
We are the first charity ever to provide a vacation or other offer, but we did so to assist those individuals that cannot benefit from a tax deduction or would rather have a nice vacation. Thus to be fair to donors and to be ethical within the regulations of the Internal Revenue Service we have two different programs. These programs are totally separate. The charity donation program and the vehicle recycle program.
If you do decide to donate a vehicle to any car or vehicle donation charity that makes these claims we strongly urge you to read the fine print on their websites and to be very familiar with the actual IRS regulations that are current.
What is the True Data about a Car Donation?
As mentioned above this has changed now since the beginning of 2005. For more information on this visit this web page.
Throughout this web site we do try to provide you with all of the true data.
We urge you to take a few minutes to read the actual IRS references concerning you car donation so that you have the factual data. These references are not difficult to read and the sections of them pertaining to a noncash charitable contribution and a car donation are easily found in the Publications.
If you are not that familiar with how your taxes are prepared or filed please speak to the person that prepares your taxes and find out what a car donation may do for you as a tax benefit. Every person's tax situation is different. A tax preparer or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) should be able to assist you concerning your car donation.
You can also read our simple tax deduction overview page.
Other alerts about donating a vehicle.
To donate a car it is simple as filling out our Online Car Donation Form.
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Automobiles and Car Donation

In the primitive age, in the absence of automobiles, domestic animals were the only means by which it was possible for one to travel across distances. Cars were a much later invention and with the coming of automobiles, the whole idea of traversing form one end of the country to other was revolutionized greatly. In the contemporary world, possession of an automobile is a basic necessity and having a personal car is of great help in times of emergency when getting hold of a public vehicle becomes difficult. It has been noticed that at present, automobile manufacturers usually present new car designs quite frequently and therefore many consumers are seen to dump their previous vehicle and opt for a latest design. Moreover, there can be various other reasons because of which can owner may decide to give up his presently owned vehicle in favor of something new. Under such circumstances car donation seems to be a very lucrative option for such car owners. The process of car donation refers to the means by which it is possible to donate such vehicles which will not be used any more by the owner and give them up to charity organizations. The act of car donation is extremely popular in the United States of America because in this country car donation also ensures certain tax benefits to the car owners thus making it an extremely lucrative option. These donated vehicles are auctioned by the charity organizations and the tax benefits depend upon the sale price of the car. In fact it is also noted that for car values being less than $500, it is possible to gain tax benefits upon the estimated sale price of the car that is designated by the car owner, irrespective of the fact that whether the car is actually sold at a much lower price in the auction conducted by the charities. Such a process is referred to by many critics as ‘tax shelter'. Statistics have revealed that in the United States , more than 7 lakh tax payers were able to save about $654 million by means of such car donation.Read more:

car donation

Look around the yard, do you have an old car you want to or should get rid of? Is the car just taking up precious space and slowly deteriorating from lack of maintenance and proper care because you don't need it? Then for you a charitable car donation may be worth more than using the car as a trade-in or in any other way. If you decide to donate a car and the car donation is accepted, the charity arranges for and takes care of any towing expenses and provides you with the necessary documents for your tax return.Read more:

Car Donation Programs and Tax Deductions

Many of us look at taxes as burdens imposed on our citizenship. Life is difficult enough, many claim, and taxes make life even more of a hassle. Lots of people may go to the extent of wishing taxes away. Taxes are considered a burden to virtually everyone.But a closer look says that taxes lay the groundwork for the social services that are provided in this country. Over and over again, it has been said that taxes support the government. Taxes provide our government with the money needed to run social security programs sorely needed. Through the taxes we pay, infrastructures are built. Every taxing season, social services are funded by the taxes asked from us. National defense is also supplied through tax money.The government is not an authoritarian entity that doesn’t take care of its citizens. Although taxes are pesky, it offers all of the social services needed to run this country to the fullest. To ease the burden of tax obligations, the government gives allowable tax deductions for qualified citizens. These tax write offs are dependent on certain conditions which give a feeling of humanity to their nature.The government's car donation programs offer some of these tax deductions. By donating a car you don't want to any of the car donation programs specifically established for charity, some significant tax deductions can be had.For instance, if your charity decides to use the car for some real charity purposes as defined by law, the car donation programs the government has built would allow you a tax deduction equal to the fair market value of the car if it’s kept or the selling price if it’s sold. Indeed, these programs are great ways to show that the government can provide for its people. In many ways, taxes do more good for us than harm.There are so many websites, often it's hard to choose which to study for Car Donation facts but we find that a variety of sources work best such as the web, speaking to friends and looking in magazines or at a library. If you need current info on Car Donation then you've come to the right spot. You'll find the most recent data on this and you can relax and dig into the material. Read more:

Car Donation in Tennessee

Although Tennessee is known for its popular musicians, it is also the home of many charities serving a variety of socio-cultural causes. Indeed, this southern state I very good at providing southern comfort. Good old’ TN has a whole lot of love!When it comes to charity work, Tennessee residents have a lot of options which let them participate the way they want to. Donating old cars to charity is one popular choice. Tennessee's beloved citizens have many charities available in which to choose from.Among the institutions that can use your car donation in Tennessee is the Glaucoma Research Foundation. Glaucoma is an ailment that causes lots of liquid buildup in the eyes, which can lead to blindness. The Glaucoma Research conducts research that helps find cures for this disease, and the old vehicles that will be donated to it can be used to fund this outstanding process.The Diabetic Youth Foundation is another TN organization you can donate your car to. Diabetes is a popular disease that attacks the body's ability to metabolize sugar, which leads to health effects that may even turn fatal The Diabetes Youth Foundation aims to provide support for young ones that have the disease to pave the way for a better future. Visit the Diabetes Youth Foundation at www.dyf.org .There are more charities you could try looking at of course, and each and every one of them will appreciate the help you give them. In return for your generosity, your car donation to these institutions would reward you with tax write-offs next April 15th. Car donations touch the lives of so many people in countless ways. Car donation is fast and easy and an amazing way to make a difference. While we do give some charity cars away to people in need, the majority of the car donations we receive are sold. Not all charities have the means to run their own car donation program. Just know that you can give to the charity of your choice through our nationwide car donations program with a generous vehicle donation. The entire net proceeds from your car donation will go directly to the charity of your choice. Your charitable car donation can make an amazing difference to someone who needs food, shelter, or medical care.Read more:

Guide To Donating Your Car

At Charity Navigator, our primary purpose is helping America's donors make informed giving decisions when they part with their hard-earned dollars by writing a check to charity. In the past few years, however, more and more donors are attempting to help themselves, and help others, by donating their used automobiles to charity. This has become a massive business. In the year 2000, nearly ¾'s of a million people took a car donation deduction on their federal tax returns, thusly lowering their taxes by over $650 million.
As America's car donation system is currently construed, it is easy for donors to benefit greatly by donating their cars, albeit with a little risk. By following these 10 Charity Navigator Tips For Charitable Auto Donations, you can minimize that risk, and maximize the amount that actually gets to charity.
1. Find a Charity That Directly Accepts Car DonationsIf at all possible, avoid the for-profit intermediary organizations that advertise so pervasively to handle your car donations. When you work with one of these organizations, they keep the vast majority of the dollars created from your donation. Even the most reputable of the agencies that handle these transactions keep nearly 50% of the car's value for their troubles (other, less scrupulous entities keep 90%, or even more). If you can find a charity that handles the transaction themselves, they can keep 100% of their profits. It's possible that the charities you already support have a car-donation program that you don't know about. Check with them first.
2. If Your Charity Doesn't Accept Cars, Take the Time to Find a Charity That Does, and Still Does Work You RespectRemember that you're still making a charitable donation, and don't simply give your automobile away to any charity, just because they're a charity. Do a little research, and find a high-performing charity that does the kind of work you like, in the region you wish to target, and does that work well.
3. If It Runs, Drive the Car to the CharityWorthy charities are going to have to pay someone else to handle a pick-up or a tow. This is yet another cost that cuts into the amount that gets to that organization's programs. If you can get the car to them yourself, do it.
4. If You Have to Use a Intermediary Agency, Research the Percentage that Gets to CharityThe IRS does not require the car donation agencies to contribute a set amount of the auto's proceeds to the intended charities; that amount is negotiated between the charities and the handlers. Try to find an agency that maximizes that amount, and call the charity to confirm that number before you give. The charities are reluctant to criticize the middlemen, because they don't want to lose the dollars they do receive, but state attorney generals are beginning to investigate and even prosecute these for-profit middlemen, for holding themselves out as charities and misleading the public on the amount that is actually reaching charitable causes.
5. Make Sure Your Intended Organization is a 501 (c) (3)While many organizations can claim non-profit status, donations to 501 (c) (4) organizations are generally not tax-deductible. These are political organizations with permission to lobby our government; like Disabled American Veterans or the National Rifle Association. Make sure your intended recipient has 501 (c) (3) public charity status.
6. Transfer the Car Correctly to the CharitySome charities will ask you to leave the assignment of ownership space on the charity donation papers blank, so they don't have to re-title the auto. If your charity asks this of you, find another charity. If you don't formally sign your car over to the designated nonprofit, you will be held responsible for any parking tickets that are subsequently incurred, or liable if it's used in a crime. Remember, the charity you give the car to will probably not use your car to deliver meals to the needy, but will simply sell it as quickly as possible. When someone buys it from them at auction and doesn't bother to register that car, it's still yours in the eyes of the law.
7. Value Your Car CorrectlyDue to the proliferation of car donations, the IRS became increasingly concerned about how taxpayers valued the vehicles they donated to charity. Over the last few years, the agency stepped up their audits in this area and began to advocate for changes to the laws that govern such deductions. With the passage of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, those changes have come. Starting with your 2005 tax return, you will no longer be able to deduct the published fair market value of vehicles worth more than $500. Under the new rules, your deduction will be determined once your car is sold and the charity sends you a receipt indicating the exact amount your car garnered at auction.8. Complete Your PaperworkIf your car is worth more than $500, you must complete IRS Form 8283 and attach it to your yearly taxes.
9. Use Fair Market Value (FMV) for the CarThere are several exceptions which allow you to use the Kelley Blue Book or a NADA guide, but you must use the FMV, not simply the highest value listed for the year and make of your car. Use the FMV when:
instead of selling the vehicle, the charity keeps and uses it,
the charity makes improvements to the car before selling it,
your car is sold at a discounted price to a person with a low income,
or if the car is worth less than $500.
And remember to always get a receipt when you donate the car. Again, the IRS is watching this area very closely.
10. Take the Time to Get It RightIt is true that the biggest winner in the car donation game is usually the donor, and not the charity recipient. But if you take your time, ignore the quick and easy television appeals, and find a reputable, high-performing charity that will make the most of your donation, we can all emerge victorious.