Tips for Avoiding Scams When Donating a Car or other Vehicle:

When donating a car or other vehicle such as a truck, motorcycle, RV or boat, the most important thing to know is that you should never make your donation through a third party. Anyone can claim to be collecting vehicles on behalf of a reputable organization and may even go so far as to offer rewards, tax vouchers or other benefits for your donation. Reputable charities do not send representatives on foot to canvass neighborhoods for unwanted vehicles. The process of donating securely is quite simple but, it is not standard practice to utilize door-to-door solicitors!

Before donating anything at all, you should always be prepared to do some basic research on your chosen organization. Legitimate charities have web sites with lots of evidence of the work they do. You should be able to tell within a few minutes which populations are receiving the benefits of the organization, which programs they offer, where their office is located, and some easily-verifiable history of their accomplishments. Remember, a real charity seeks to promote their achievements, not hide them. Beware of an organization that isn’t boasting about their success!

Another red flag to look for is how easy or difficult it is to find out what percentage of donations collected actually goes directly to people in need. The law does not stipulate just how much of amounts collected must be given to the organization’s recipients. That means that a group who call themselves a charity can actually give as little as 1% of their donations to people in need of assistance. In order to know for certain that your gift reaches the people who need it, remember that a legitimate and reputable charity will want to advertise their good work. You should be able to discern quite easily what percentage of donations reaches their targeted populations. Also keep in mind that this information should appear in a public format and not just something their representative said or other word-of-mouth claim.

Finally, any organization accepting donations and claiming to provide charitable assistance to people in need should be officially recognized by the IRS as a 501 (c) (3) charity. Again, charities that are reputable and secure will want to advertise this information in order to assure newcomers that their work is honest. You should not have to search very hard in order to find this verification and it should be presented in a public format. Look for charities that operate locally so that you can follow up on their activities and campaigns more easily. Most cities and smaller rural areas have at least a few good charities from which to choose. If you know what to look for and how to spot any suspicious claims or lack of information, you should be able to find an organization to whom you can donate your car or other vehicle securely.

Donating a Car or Other Vehicle in the New Orleans Area:

If you live in the New Orleans area and would like to donate your car or vehicle, look no further than Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans. Donating a car can be handled in a couple of easy steps and your donation will be fully tax deductible, with the receipt being mailed within 24 hours. Whether the car or vehicle still runs or not, pickup is free of charge. Volunteers of America is also an Official IRS 501 (c) (3) Charity that gives an average of .88 cents of every dollar collected to those in need, so you never need to worry about scams. All you need is the keys and title of ownership to make your secure donation today. Visit www.voagno.org or call (504) 525-2179.

Things to Know when Donating a Car:

            As you begin your research on available options for donating a car, you will find that there are many companies from which to choose. Having a list of your own criteria is always a good idea so you know exactly what to look for in order to get the results you want or need. For example, if you need the donation to be tax deductible, then you will need to know that the recipient of the vehicle is reliable so that you aren’t faced with penalties or rejection of the deduction later on. You also want to be sure that the company to whom you donate the car is legitimate, and a good way to confirm that information is by visiting the Better Business Bureau web site as well as CharityNavigator.org. These resources will alert you of any complaints or history of wrongdoing on the part of your chosen group.

If you plan to donate to a charity, they should also have their own web site where you can verify two critical pieces of information. The first is determining whether or not the organization is an Official IRS Recognized 501 (c) (3) Charity. This status should be plainly visible in a public format (like a web site) so that you won’t have any unwelcome surprises when you submit your taxes. The second is what percentage of donated revenue actually goes to the organization’s intended recipients. The law does not stipulate a required minimum amount, so beware of charities that do not advertise this information because the actual amount could be as low as 1%. If a charitable organization is truly legitimate, they will want donors to know these two things so it should be relatively easy to find on a web site or in promotional literature.

Another essential part of choosing an organization is the convenience with which they will handle the transaction for you. There should never be any hidden fees or transportation costs to the donor, and you should also look for a group that has simplified the process. Remember, you are donating to them, so the process should be simple, quick and hassle-free. Will they take care of picking up the car? Do you have to be physically present at the time? What will you need to provide? When will you receive the receipt? These are all important questions to ask before you agree to go through with the transaction.

To Donate a Car Online or by Phone, Fax or Mail:

            Donating a car can be as quick and easy as two simple steps that require only minutes of your time. Volunteers of America accepts all cars, trucks, RVs, motorcycles and boats whether they are operational or not. Pick-up is always free and receipts are usually mailed within 24 hours of the completed transfer. At www.voagno.org, you can begin the 2-step process; or email your donation. All you need are the keys and the title and VOAGNO will handle the rest! They also accept car donations by fax, phone, and mail. To donate a car by phone or fax call (504) 525-2179, or toll free at 877-721-4862. To donate a car by mail, simply call the local number above and they will provide the mailing address. Make a difference in someone’s life today!

One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure

Remember that even though you have been driving your car around for years and are ready to get rid of it, it’s still a valuable asset. Whether your vehicle is just out of style or is up on blocks and only good for parts, it’s still good for something. This means you should:

1. Find Out Its Value. You’re entitled to a tax deduction equal to the car’s value. Check Kelly Blue Book (KBB.com) to find out how much your vehicle is worth. Keep in mind that if the car is not in drivable condition and it’s also not worth much, some charities might not be willing to pay for a tow company to pick it up. Cases like this are rare, and a representative of your charity organization will be able to offer a solution if this happens to you.
2. Fill Out Paperwork. For many people, donating a car, truck, motorcycle, or boat is one of the largest donations they will ever give. Don’t miss the opportunity to get credit for this on your taxes. Most charities will be able to provide the correct paperwork, and will help you fill it out correctly.
3. Clean it Up. Don’t bother taking the vehicle to get detailed (unless you want to be extra nice), but do clean out the glove compartment and trunk, make sure there’s nothing under the seats, and throw away any trash or old cigarette butts.
4. Make it Accessible. Make sure the car is easy to get to. Take it out of the garage, or at least make sure it’s easy to move. Clear off any objects that are around, under or on it that could prevent the organization from easily taking the car away.
5. Plan Ahead. Many charity groups will come and pick your car up for you at no cost. Most charities don’t need you to be present, but if you must, arrange a pick up time that fits your schedule. Remember that the charity workers have a schedule to keep, too.
6.  Hand Over Keys and Title. Since donating a vehicle to charity includes ceding ownership, you’ll need to have the car’s title documents. Make sure to hand over any keys you have for the vehicle, including separate keys for the trunk or gas tank. If you will not be present when the car is taken, leave the keys, title and owner’s manual under the dashboard.
7. Remove License Plates. Depending on your state of residency, you may need to remove your license plates. Check with the charity to see if your plates should remain with you, or on the car.

Want to Donate a Car in Louisiana?

The Greater New Orleans Volunteers of America makes it easy for people in the Gulf Coast region to donate vehicles for a great cause. If you’re interested in using your car to make a difference, donate your vehicle to the VOA. For more information on how your donation helps children, the elderly, and the disabled, visit www.voagno.org or speak to a representative at (504) 525-2179.