Here’s the bottom line for Minneapolis donors: to claim your car donation on this year’s taxes, the IRS requires that your vehicle be picked up by December 31. With Twin City Wheels, most Twin Cities donors can get same‑day or next‑day pickup Monday–Saturday, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s. To safely lock in a December 31 pickup slot, call or submit our 2‑minute form by December 27–28. Your tow is 100% free, your car can be non‑running, and you’ll receive a tax receipt backed by Heritage for the Blind, a registered 501(c)(3).
Twin City Wheels is local to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metro. We arrange fast pickups in Minneapolis neighborhoods like Uptown, Northeast, Nokomis, Powderhorn, and Bryn Mawr, as well as Saint Paul, Bloomington, Edina, Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove, Eagan, Woodbury, and more. There’s no inspection, emissions test, or repairs required—just a signed Minnesota title and a quick call. We handle the rest, including towing your vehicle and coordinating with Heritage for the Blind so your donation supports people who are blind or visually impaired. If you’re checking the calendar and wondering, “Can I still donate my car for this year’s taxes?”—yes, you can, as long as your pickup is completed by December 31. Start now to guarantee your spot.
Your year-end donation timeline
1. Start your donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesCall Twin City Wheels or complete our quick online form in about two minutes. Provide basic info about your vehicle, your Minneapolis–Saint Paul pickup location, and your contact details. No VIN lookups or paperwork uploads are required to get on the schedule.
2. Lock in your pickup date and time window
5 minutesOur team confirms a pickup day and time window—often same‑day or next‑day if you contact us before early afternoon Monday–Friday. To guarantee a December 31 slot in the Twin Cities, reach out by December 27–28 so we can hold a year‑end time for you.
3. Get your title ready before the truck arrives
10–15 minutesFind your Minnesota title and make sure the name matches your ID. We’ll guide you on where to sign so ownership can legally transfer to Heritage for the Blind. There’s no need to fix the car, clean it out thoroughly, or provide keys for many non‑running vehicles.
4. Free tow anywhere in the Twin Cities metro
15–30 minutes at pickupOn your scheduled day, our driver arrives at your Minneapolis, Saint Paul, or suburban address—home, office, or even a repair shop. We tow your vehicle at no cost, regardless of condition or mileage. You’ll receive a preliminary donation acknowledgment at pickup.
5. Receive your IRS tax receipt from Heritage for the Blind
Within about 30 days of saleAfter your car is sold, Heritage for the Blind mails you an official tax receipt, typically within 30 days of the sale. For vehicles valued at more than $500, you’ll use this receipt with IRS Form 1098‑C when you itemize your deduction on Schedule A.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 controls which tax year you use
For car donations, the IRS looks at when the charity actually takes possession. If your vehicle is picked up by December 31, it generally counts toward this year’s taxes. A January pickup means the deduction applies to next year instead.
Your deduction is usually the sale price
In most cases, the IRS lets you deduct the amount Heritage for the Blind receives when your vehicle is sold, not a blue‑book estimate. Your official receipt will show this sale price, which you use when you complete your federal tax return.
Form 1098‑C for donations over $500
If your donated vehicle is sold for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind issues a written acknowledgment containing the information required for IRS Form 1098‑C. You’ll attach that information when filing and itemizing your deduction on Schedule A.
30‑day IRS receipt timing
The IRS expects the charity to send your written acknowledgment within 30 days of the vehicle’s sale or qualifying use. Heritage for the Blind mails your tax receipt after the sale, so keep it with your records when meeting with your tax preparer.
You must itemize on Schedule A
To benefit from a car donation deduction, you typically need to itemize deductions using Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. If you’re unsure which is better, consult a tax professional or use reputable tax software to compare options.