Frequently Asked Questions when Donating a Vehicle

Caring for older adults like our own family

When it comes to the vehicle donation process we try to make it as easy as possible. Sometimes a donor has questions regarding their vehicle donation. Below are some of the most frequent questions we are asked at the Goodwill Auto Auction.
If you need more answers please feel free to call us at 937.228.AUTO.

When you donate your car to the Goodwill Auto Auction, you are helping to support the mission of Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley. In addition, you can avoid the hassle of selling your car, placing ads in the newspaper, arranging appointments, and having strangers come to your home. You also can avoid haggling and aggravation when attempting to trade in your car. Goodwill focuses on making your experience as quick and efficient as possible. We provide free towing to pick up the vehicle. Goodwill will also send you a letter after the vehicle is sold, telling you the amount we received for your vehicle. This information can attach a copy of the letter to an income tax return for proof of donation.

If a vehicle sells for over $500, the donor can claim the amount the vehicle sold for, providing that the donor supplies their tax ID number (for most this is a social security number) for tax form 1098-C that the Goodwill Auto Auction will complete and mail to both the donor and the IRS. If the tax ID number is not provided, then the donor cannot claim a deduction of more than $500.

Regardless of the amount your vehicle sells for, the Goodwill Auto Auction will send you a letter after the vehicle is sold telling you the amount we received for your vehicle. You can attach a copy of this information to your income tax return for proof of a donation.

Goodwill Auto Auction recommends consulting with an independent tax advisor to determine your best course of action when claiming a vehicle donation.

When you donate your car, truck, SUV, boat or RV to the Goodwill Auto Auction your vehicle will be sold online at the Goodwill Auto Auction. All proceeds from the sale of donated vehicles stay right here in the Miami Valley and support Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley’s programs that help local people with disabilities become more independent.

No, your car does not need to be in running condition.

We accept any type of vehicle, in any condition. This includes cars, light trucks, full-size trucks, motorcycles, commercial trucks, boats, personal watercraft, campers, recreational vehicles, and all-terrain vehicles.

Yes, we provide a free pick-up service if requested.
All units must be free of any debris, trash or bulk items prior to pick-up. We will not accept your donation on the day of the tow if these items are still in the vehicle.

This is a very good question. In fact, we recommend and encourage you to ask questions during this process. Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley was established in 1934 and provides services and programs to individuals in the Miami Valley region. The proceeds from the auto auction stay right here in the Miami Valley and benefit individuals with disabilities and other needs.

  • Is the organization’s name familiar or is it a name that just doesn’t sound quite right?
  • Is the organization local?
  • Is the organization an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) non-profit? If they answer yes, ask for their federal identification number.
  • Do they have a website?
  • What happens to the vehicle after it is donated?
  • What percentage of the vehicle’s proceeds actually go toward mission work?
  • Is the mission work local or in another state or country?
  • Is the title signed over to the charity’s name?

We can accept titles from all 50 states of the U.S.A.