Here’s the direct timing answer Minneapolis donors are looking for: most vehicles donated to Twin City Wheels are picked up within 24–48 hours, and your tax paperwork is mailed within 30 days after the car is sold—typically 2–8 weeks from your very first call or online form. You can start in about 2 minutes, even if your car doesn’t run, is missing a title, or is parked on the street.
Once you submit our quick form or call, a local coordinator phones you within 1–2 business hours (on weekdays) to lock in your free tow anywhere in the Twin Cities—whether you’re in Northeast Minneapolis, Uptown, Powderhorn, North Loop, Saint Paul’s Highland Park, or suburbs like Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Eagan, Maple Grove, or Edina. Towing usually happens same-day to 2 business days. From there, your car goes straight to auction or a direct buyer, is sold within about 2–6 weeks, and your IRS acknowledgment or Form 1098-C is mailed within 30 days of that sale. Donate before December 31 with confirmed pickup by year-end, and you can normally claim your deduction for that tax year.
Your complete donation timeline
Start Your Donation (Online Form or Call)
About 2 minutesEnter your vehicle and contact info online or call Twin City Wheels. It’s a quick, no-pressure start from anywhere in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, or the suburbs. No photos, inspections, or repair estimates required—just basic car details and where it’s located.
Scheduling Call With Local Coordinator
1–2 business hours on weekdaysOn weekdays, a Twin City Wheels coordinator calls you within 1–2 hours to set up your free tow. You pick the day, time window, and location—home in Nokomis, work in downtown Minneapolis, or a shop in Roseville. Weekend and evening pickups are often available.
Free Tow Truck Pickup
Same-day to 2 business daysIn most Twin Cities neighborhoods, we can arrange towing within 24–48 hours. The driver handles the paperwork, loads your vehicle (running or not), and your driveway or street spot in places like Richfield, Hopkins, or St. Louis Park is freed up in one visit.
Sale at Auction or to Direct Buyer
Typically 2–6 weeks after pickupYour car is transported to a nearby auction or direct buyer we work with in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul region. Market conditions and sale schedules mean most vehicles are sold within about 2–6 weeks, maximizing value for Heritage for the Blind’s programs.
Tax Acknowledgment & 1098-C Mailed
Within 30 days after sale (plan on 2–8 weeks total)After the sale closes, Twin City Wheels sends you the required IRS written acknowledgment, and when applicable, Form 1098-C, within 30 days. From your first call to tax paperwork in hand, plan on roughly 2–8 weeks total, depending on how quickly your car sells.
Why the process is genuinely fast
2-minute start
The entire setup begins with a simple 2-minute online form or quick phone call. No lengthy questionnaires or uploads—just your contact info, basic vehicle details, and pickup location anywhere in the Twin Cities.
Same-day or 24–48 hour pickup
In most Minneapolis–Saint Paul areas, we can dispatch a tow truck for same-day or next-day service, and almost always within 24–48 hours. Your car can be gone in as little as one business day from your first contact.
Monday–Saturday dispatch
We schedule towing pickups Monday through Saturday, giving you flexible slots before and after work. Whether your car is in downtown Minneapolis, Dinkytown, Saint Paul, or the suburbs, we work around your schedule, not the other way around.
Non-running & damaged cars welcome
No need to spend time fixing or jump-starting your vehicle. Twin City Wheels accepts non-running, wrecked, or high-mileage cars, trucks, and vans. Tow drivers handle loading safely from driveways, alleys, garages, or curbside parking.
No inspection or repairs needed
You don’t have to arrange pre-sale inspections, emissions tests, or repairs. We take the car as-is and manage the auction or buyer process for you, so the only time you invest is the quick setup and meeting the tow truck.