If your car is picked up on or before December 31 in the Norfolk–Hampton Roads area, the IRS counts your donation for this tax year. With Wheel Give Back and Heritage for the Blind (a registered 501(c)(3), EIN 58-2164446), it takes just two minutes to start: fill out the online form or call, confirm your free tow, sign the title at pickup, and your deduction is locked in based on the pickup date. Your written tax acknowledgment will follow after the vehicle is sold.
We know year‑end in Norfolk moves fast. Whether you’re in Ghent, Ocean View, Larchmont, Downtown, Berkley, East Beach, Military Circle, or near Naval Station Norfolk, we’ll coordinate a licensed tow truck to your driveway, street, or garage—usually same‑day or next business day in most metro areas. Cars do not need to run, pass inspection, or have current registration. Your vehicle is picked up at no cost to you, sold, and the proceeds help fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired. If you’re ready to be done with that car and ready to claim your deduction, start now—December pickup slots across Hampton Roads fill up quickly.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2‑minute form or call
2 minutesEnter your contact, vehicle location, and basic car details in our secure online form, or call Wheel Give Back for Heritage for the Blind. This opens your donation file and time‑stamps your intent so we can prioritize your year‑end pickup in Norfolk.
Get your scheduling call within hours
1–2 hours on weekdaysA donation coordinator calls you back—typically within 1–2 business hours on weekdays—to confirm your information and offer the earliest free tow slots. Tell us you need pickup by Dec 31 in Hampton Roads so we lock in a qualifying time.
Book your free tow date and time
Same‑day or next business day in most metrosWe match you with a licensed local towing partner serving Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and surrounding areas. In most metro locations, we can schedule same‑day or next‑business‑day pickup, including many Saturday options, at no cost to you.
Hand over keys and sign the title
10–15 minutes at pickupThe tow truck arrives at your Norfolk address, checks your ID, and guides you through signing the Virginia title correctly. Once the title is signed and the vehicle is loaded, your donation date is the physical pickup date for IRS purposes.
Vehicle sale and tax acknowledgment
Within 30 days of saleYour car is transported and sold. Heritage for the Blind mails you IRS Form 1098‑C or a written acknowledgment within 30 days of the sale. You use this document and the sale price when you itemize your deduction on Schedule A.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 pickup = this year’s deduction
For IRS purposes, the donation date is when your vehicle is picked up, not when it’s sold. If the tow truck collects your car on or before December 31, you may claim the deduction for that tax year, even if the sale happens later.
Form 1098‑C for larger deductions
When your donated vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind issues IRS Form 1098‑C or a written acknowledgment within 30 days of the sale. This document shows the gross sale price and is required for claiming larger vehicle deductions.
Deduction generally equals sale price
In most cases, the amount you can deduct is the vehicle’s gross sale price, not a price guide estimate. Your 1098‑C or acknowledgment will list this amount so you and your tax professional can accurately report it on your return.
You’ll itemize on Schedule A
Car donations are claimed as charitable contributions. To benefit from the deduction, you generally need to itemize on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. A tax advisor can confirm what makes sense in your situation.
Non‑running and unregistered cars qualify
Your car does not need to run, pass inspection, or have current registration to be donated. Towing is free, and as long as you can sign the title properly, you can still receive a tax acknowledgment based on the eventual sale price.