In Denver, the IRS rule is clear: the donation date is the day your vehicle is physically picked up, not when you call or fill out the form. To claim your deduction for this tax year, Ride Revive and Heritage for the Blind must pick up your car by 11:59 p.m. on December 31. That’s why we urge Denver donors to schedule pickup at least 3–5 business days before December 31 so we can get you on the calendar in time. We operate Monday–Saturday through the holiday season and provide free towing, even if your car doesn’t run.
Ride Revive partners locally with Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to turn your vehicle into funding for services that support people who are blind or visually impaired. We serve the entire Denver Metro area — from Capitol Hill, Washington Park, and Park Hill to Lakewood, Aurora, Westminster, Highlands Ranch, and more. There’s no inspection, repairs, or smog check required. Just a quick 2-minute form or call, a fast pickup, and you’re set for this year’s tax deduction once we arrive for your vehicle before year-end.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start now with a 2-minute form or phone call
2 minutesFrom anywhere in Denver Metro, share your basic vehicle info, your location (e.g., LoDo, Aurora, Lakewood, Littleton), and the best pickup times. No need to hunt for a title yet—just get on our radar before the year-end rush fills up the schedule.
Lock in a pickup slot before December 31
5 minutesOur Monday–Saturday dispatch team confirms a pickup day and time that works for you. To safely meet the IRS deadline, we recommend choosing a date at least 3–5 business days before December 31, especially in case of snow or holiday delays around Denver.
Prepare your keys and title (if available)
10–15 minutesBefore the tow truck arrives, remove personal items and prep the keys and title, if you have it. If the car is non-running or stuck in a driveway, alley, or garage in neighborhoods like Highlands, Stapleton/Central Park, or Englewood, that’s fine—our free towing can handle it.
Vehicle pickup sets your deduction year
15–30 minutesWhen our towing partner arrives on or before December 31, that pickup date becomes your official IRS donation date. You’ll receive an initial written acknowledgment, and from that moment, your donation counts for this tax year, even though the sale and final paperwork come later.
Receive your tax paperwork after the sale
Varies by saleAfter your car is sold, Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment. For vehicles that qualify, you’ll receive IRS Form 1098-C. This document confirms the sale amount you’ll use when itemizing your deduction on Schedule A for this tax year.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Pickup date = deduction year
For the IRS, your donation is made on the day Ride Revive and Heritage for the Blind physically pick up your vehicle. If we pick up by December 31 anywhere in Denver Metro, your deduction applies to that tax year.
Form 1098-C for many vehicle donations
When your donated vehicle sells above the IRS reporting threshold, Heritage for the Blind issues Form 1098-C. This form shows the gross sale price, which is often the amount you’ll use to claim your charitable vehicle deduction.
You must itemize on Schedule A
To use your car donation as a tax deduction, you generally need to itemize deductions on IRS Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Talk with your tax advisor about which option is better for your situation.
Written acknowledgment usually within 30 days of sale
The IRS requires that you receive a written acknowledgment, often within 30 days of the vehicle’s sale, for larger deductions. This letter (and Form 1098-C if issued) documents your donation—keep it with your tax records.
Year-end paperwork vs. IRS timing
Even if your final paperwork arrives in the new year, the deduction belongs to the year your vehicle was picked up. As long as Ride Revive picks up by December 31 in Denver, you generally claim the deduction for that tax year.