Car Donations

Having an old or broken vehicle on your hands is usually nothing but trouble. But, donating your vehicle to Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona is a convenient, cost-free tax deduction solution for you that just so happens to benefit your community.

Your generous vehicle donation directly supports our mission of empowering individuals, strengthening families, and building stronger communities. Proceeds from the auctioned parts help us fund our no-cost career services, which provide Arizonans with career development, training, education, and more.

Here’s the big picture:

We take care of towing your car. It’s no longer your problem.
It doesn’t cost you anything.
You receive a tax receipt.
We manage all the details, making this a fast and convenient process for you.
And in the end, you’ve helped your community.

There’s no better use for a vehicle that you no longer want or need.

To get started, call us at 855-500-RIDE. You can also visit our FAQ section below for any questions you might have.

FAQ – General

Why should I donate my car to Goodwill?

Donating your car to Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona is a convenient, cost-free solution for you that can be submitted as a tax deduction. Further, every car donation we receive supports our mission of ending poverty through the power of work. Proceeds from the auction of auto parts helps us fund our no-cost career services available to the community.

What type of vehicle can I donate?

We accept most cars, trucks, trailers, RVs, motorcycles, boats, vans, motor homes, and even airplanes. Please call us at 855-500-RIDE if you have any questions about a vehicle you would like to donate.

Can I donate a vehicle that is no longer running?

Yes.

Do I have to pay for the towing?

There is no charge for you to donate your car.

Can I donate an abandoned car?

Yes.

My car failed an emission test; can I still donate it?

Yes, we accept vehicles that have failed emission testing.

Can I donate a car whose owner passed away?

Yes.

How do I contact you to begin the process?

Please call us at 855-500-RIDE to get started.

What areas of Phoenix do you service?

We provide service across the Valley for no fee.

Who do you auction the vehicle to?

Most of the vehicles donated to us are sold at an auction to the public. There may be exceptions and we can sell up to seven vehicles at our retail locations.

How do you determine the value of a car?

An on-site inspection is conducted to determine the overall condition of the vehicle. We then use the Kelley Blue Book as our primary source of reference to estimate the vehicle’s fair market value based on the make, model, year, mileage, and condition.

Can I donate a car that’s stranded roadside?

Yes. We can pick up a vehicle anywhere if the paperwork is in order.

Can I donate a car without the title?

Yes, but we still must verify that the donated car is not stolen and/or does not have a lien on the vehicle. We will accept a notarized bill of sale.

Tax Deduction and MVD

Can I take a tax deduction?

Yes. Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which qualifies your donation.

How much will I receive as a tax deduction?

As a donor, you will get an initial receipt which you can then use to claim a charitable contribution deduction of at least $250 but not more than $500 for the vehicle. Once the vehicle is sold, our finance department will generate IRS form 1098-C and will send you both a mailed copy and a digital copy. A member of our philanthropy department will send you a Donor’s Letter of Acknowledgement.

If you have any additional questions, please visit this guide to vehicle donation on the IRS website: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4303.pdf

When will I receive a tax receipt?

Our finance department will send you after the vehicle is sold, but please keep in mind that the vehicle may take a while to sell based on its condition.

Will I receive a temporary receipt at the time of pick up?

Yes.

Do I need to contact the MVD about the donation?

Yes. Within 10 days after the vehicle has been donated, please submit a sold notice to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Department through mail to Mail Drop 555M, Motor Vehicle Division, PO Box 2100, Phoenix, Arizona 85001-2100. You may also submit your sold notice online at www.servicearizona.com.

What should I do with my license plate?

Please remove your license plate and keep it in your possession as you may qualify for a credit or refund. For more information, please visit www.servicearizona.com or visit your local MVD.

Pickup

What paperwork will I need to provide?

We will send you a Vehicle Donation Form to fill out. We will also need a signed and notarized transferable title for the vehicle.

Do I have to be home when you tow my car?

We prefer you to be home when we tow your car, but if you can’t be home then please make sure the required paperwork forms are complete and left with a responsible party.

Do you only tow or can I drop off my car somewhere?

We prefer to tow your car but most donated vehicles can be brought to any of our retail locations. There may be locations where stipulations in the tenant agreement limit overnight or extended parking, so we do encourage donors to let us tow the car.