How to Donate your car in Atlanta
Atlanta is one of the most prosperous
cities in the world and one that is physically spread out. It is the 9th most populous city in the United States. Metro Atlanta
practically covers most of Georgia and has a population of over 5 million. It’s not very dense compared with other cities of similar populations.
It is one of those cities that require you to have a car to get around.
Due to these factors among others, Atlantans
have grown dependant on new vehicles. It is everybody’s fear to have the nightmare of having one’s vehicle break down on I-285.
Therefore many Atlantans get rid or their vehicles while still operational to drive newer
models. They believe driving newer models will reduce the chance of breaking down. To do this
quickly many choose to donate their vehicles to charity.
People donate their cars for many other reasons
including making room after buying a new car, getting a tax deduction or helping out a particular charity. Others are simply saving time from the
hassles of putting a car for sale and finding a buyer for it.
 Regardless of the reason, the tax deduction is always available to Atlantans
who are eligible to itemize their deductions by filing Schedule A of Form 1040. (Form 8283 is the actual form filled to get the
deduction}
According to the IRS, a taxpayer
can only receive the deduction with the proper documentation from classified 501(c)(3) not for profit charitable organization. To verify that
an organization is a charity qualified to receive tax-deductible contributions, Go to IRS and
ask for Publication 78, Cumulative List of Organizations, an annual list of most charities. Publication 78 is available online at
www.irs.gov/eo and at many public libraries. To verify an organization’s status, call the IRS Customer Account Services division for Tax
Exempt and Government Entities at (877) 829-5500 (toll-free) or visit the IRS at the Summit building in Midtown 401 W. Peachtree St. NW Atlanta, GA 30308.
Be prepared to give the charity’s correct name the charity’s address.
A qualified vehicle is any motor vehicle manufactured primarily for use on public streets, roads, and
highways; a boat; or an airplane. Generally, the amount that may be deducted for a vehicle contribution depends upon what the charity does
with
the vehicle as reported in the
written acknowledgment that the donor receives from the charity. Charities typically sell the vehicles that are donated to them. If the
charity sells
the vehicle, generally the
deduction is limited to the gross proceeds from the sale.
If the DEDUCTION is MORE THAN
$500, the charity must present written acknowledgment that includes what the charity did with the vehicle. All acknowledgments must
contain the following information:
■ donor name and taxpayer
identification number,
■ the vehicle identification
number,
■ the date of the contribution, and
one of the following:
■ a statement that no goods or
services were provided
by the charity in return for the
donation, if that was
the case,
■ a description and good faith
estimate of the value
of goods or services, if any, that
the charity provided
in return for the donation,
or
■ a statement that goods or
services provided by
the charity consisted entirely of
intangible religious
benefits, if that was the
case.
Note: If the acknowledgment does not contain all required information,
the deduction may not exceed
$500.
Gross Proceeds Limit Applies
– Generally, if the charity sells your vehicle, your deduction is limited to the
gross proceeds the charity receives from its sale. In addition to
the information indicated above,
the contemporaneous written acknowledgment must contain:
■ a statement certifying that the
vehicle was sold in an
arm’s length transaction between
unrelated parties,
■ the date the vehicle was
sold,
■ the gross proceeds received from
the sale, and
■ a statement that your deduction
may not exceed the
gross proceeds from the
sale.
Exceptions to Gross Proceeds
Limit – Generally, if one of the following applies, one may be eligible to deduct
the vehicle’s fair market value on the date donated:
■ The acknowledgment contains a
statement certifying
that the charity intends to make a
significant intervening
use of the vehicle, a detailed
description of the intended
use, the duration of that use, and
a certification that the
vehicle will not be sold before
completion of the use.
■ The acknowledgment contains a
statement certifying
that the charity intends to make a
material improvement
to the vehicle, a detailed
description of the intended
material improvement and a
certification that the vehicle
will not be sold before completion
of the improvement.
■ The acknowledgment contains a
statement certifying
that the charity intends to give or
sell the vehicle to a
needy individual at a price
significantly below fair market
value and that the gift or sale is
in direct furtherance of the
charity’s charitable purpose of
relieving the poor and distressed
or the underprivileged who are in
need of a means
of transportation. This exception
will not apply if the charity
merely applies the proceeds from
the sale of the vehicle
to a needy individual for any
charitable purpose.
■ A special rule applies if the
acknowledgment indicates
that the donated vehicle sold for
$500 or less. In this
case, one may claim a deduction for
the lesser of the vehicle’s
fair market value on the date of
the contribution, or
$500, provided one receives a
written acknowledgment from
the charity that complies with the
requirements.
The following are some charities in Atlanta. Contact the charity
and ask if they have a program for donating vehicles. Most have relationships with companies that help them facilitate the process.
When arranging for a donation, insist of having the charity or its
representative pick up the vehicle a no cost.
Good Mews in Marietta Georgia- A No-Kill,
Cage-Free Cat Shelter
Good Mews in Marietta Georgia- A No-Kill, Cage-Free Cat Shelter
Good Mews: Metro Atlanta Charitable Organization
Profile
Good Mews is a no-kill cat shelter located in Marietta. They offer a free-roam, cage-free facility, and host adoption days every weekend as well
as adoption opportunities at locations throughout metro Atlanta.
Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts in
Atlanta
Hurricane Katrina is the worst natural disaster in the United States in the past century. Find out about special events and charitable
organizations that you can donate to which will assist the recovery efforts along the Gulf Coast.
Jerusalem House in Atlanta
Jerusalem House is a non-profit organization based in Atlanta, providing permanent housing for those in the homeless community that are living
with HIV and AIDS.
March of Dimes- Georgia Chapter
The March of Dimes, Georgia Chapter, provides many volunteer opportunities to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant
mortality. Two of the agency's most important fundraisers are WalkAmerica and Dining Out for Life. Find out how you can get involved.
Camp Caglewood
A non-profit organization that offers programming for children and adults with special needs. Currently they offer real weekend camping trips all
over North Georgia and day trips to Atlanta events, like Braves and Falcons games, or trips to the new Georgia Aquarium.
Atlanta Children's Shelter
Founded in 1986, this organization assists homeless children by providing free day care, emotional care, educational services, and social
services.
Dannon Cares
Fighting Hunger in America
In honor of National Hunger Awareness Day, the Dannon Company has joined with America's Second Harvest to help feed America's children, by
launching a special new area on their Web site. The page features a graphical "giving" button and every time this button is clicked, it will
trigger a $1 donation -- or the equivalent of 15 meals -- to America's Second Harvest up to a total of $75,000.
Fundraising Ideas HQ
Directory of fundraising, broken down by subject and by geography.
Atlanta Persian and Siamese Rescue
A non-profit, no-kill cat shelter specializing in providing a safe haven for Persians, Siamese, Himalayans, and mixes of these breeds. Visit the
website for adoption and volunteer information.
Project Open Hand
Organization that provided freshly cooked meals and nutrition services to people living with symptomatic HIV/AIDS, homebound seniors and
individuals with other critical illnesses or disabilities. Nearly 3,000 meals are prepared and delivered every day throughout the
year.
Atlanta Workshop Players
Non-profit, professional children's theatre company. Founded in 1981, they provide outreach programs including workshops, camps, classes, shows,
and more.
AIDS Survival Project
This organization located in downtown Atlanta assists those that are HIV positive with the latest information regarding treatment, as well as
personal and group counseling. They advocate on behalf of the HIV positive population to secure better housing, public policy, and health
legislation.
Atlanta Community Food Bank
The Food Bank has been around for almost 25 years, and unlike many national charities, 95 cents of every dollar you donate actually goes directly
to the mission of feeding the needy. They sponsor several events throughout the year, and keep community and shelter kitchens stocked.
The Carter Center
The Carter Center supports former President Jimmy Carter's mission to bring peace and humanitarian aid to the world.
Georgia Appalachian Trail Club
This organization was founded back in 1930 to preserve the part of the scenic hiking trail that winds through Georgia.
Good Mews
Good Mews is a wonderful, no kill, cage free shelter located in Marietta, a suburb of Atlanta. They accept financial as well as supply donations,
and one can even sponsor a long time resident through the "kitty keeper" program.
Hands on Atlanta
Looking for a place to volunteer in Atlanta? Look no further-Hands on Atlanta has over 1,000 volunteer opportunities to offer the public, from
projects involving children to senior citizens to neighborhood improvement.
United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta
Atlanta's chapter of United Way offers wonderful assistance programs and rewarding volunteer opportunities, with the goal of trying to make
Atlanta a better place for everyone.
Cafe 458
Cafe 458 is operated by Samaritan House, a non-profit that helps the city’s homeless population achieve self-sufficiency. During the week, men
and women are provided daily meals, case management and support services. The Café is opened to the public each weekend for a gourmet brunch. All
weekend proceeds, including tips, go directly to support Samaritan House programs.
Heart to Heart for Kids
Heart to Heart for Kids is a local charity that seeks to assist children with basic needs in order to create a positive change in their lives.
They seek volunteers and donors.
G-CAPP
G-CAPP stands for the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention. This is the organization Jane Fonda founded to curb the blight of
teen pregnancy.
AID Atlanta
AID Atlanta is an excellent non-profit AIDS services organization that conducts AIDS prevention programs for the community and assists those
living with HIV/AIDS.
Bosom Buddies of GA, Inc.
Statewide grassroots organization that offers a network of support groups for women going through breast cancer treatment and those who have
survived breast cancer.
The Eating Disorders Information Network
This group seeks to address the problem of eating disorders on a societal level. They hold an annual walk, called Merrick's Walk, named after a
young girl that lost her battle with anorexia.
The Leukemia and Lymphona Society
Local chapter of national organization that hosts many local fundraising events per year in hopes of finding a cure for blood related
cancers.
Moms, Dads, and Kids, Inc
A multi-service agency that provides services to low-income families who are homeless or victimized. Their mission is to strengthen families in
Atlanta by providing counseling and educational opportunities to foster economic advancement.
Environment Georgia
Atlanta-based non-profit organization that seeks to protect Georgia's air, water and green spaces by representing environmental causes at a
local, state and national level.
Adopt-A-Village
The Metro Atlanta Neurosurgery Foundation has developed a program model to supply permanent medical aid to remote villages in countries around
the world.
Yvonne Johns Kidney Foundation
Dedicated to eliminating suffering and death from kidney cancer through research, education and early detection for minorities, focusing on
African Americans.
Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities
Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, Inc. (ARMHC) is a non-profit organization which creates, finds and supports programs that directly
improve the health and well-being of children.
Heart4Kids
Heart4Kids is a non-profit 501 3(C) organization based in Alpharetta that is dedicated to improving the quality of life of children in Zimbabwe
whose lives are shattered by the HIV/AIDS virus. Assistance includes providing the children with food, clothing, educational and medical
assistance.
For Additional information, got to IRS Publication 4303 — A Donor’s Guide to Car
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