In Alabama, the IRS goes by the pickup date—not the day you schedule—when deciding which tax year your car donation counts for. That means your vehicle must be physically picked up on or before December 31 to claim the deduction on this year’s return. With Alabamotion, powered by Heritage for the Blind (a 501(c)(3), EIN 58-2164446), pickups run Monday–Saturday through the holiday season, but year-end slots fill quickly. To be safe, schedule your donation at least 3–5 business days before December 31 so we can lock in a pickup time this year.
Whether you’re in Birmingham’s Highland Park or Hoover, Huntsville’s Jones Valley, Montgomery, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Auburn, Dothan, or along the Gulf Coast, Alabamotion can usually arrange free towing in most areas—even if your car won’t start. No inspection, no repairs needed. After your vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind mails you a written acknowledgment (and IRS Form 1098-C if it sells for over $500). But your deduction year is based on the pickup date, not the mailing date. If you want this year’s tax benefit, the time to schedule your Alabama pickup is right now.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2-minute form or call Alabamotion
2 minutesShare your Alabama location (Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, etc.) and basic vehicle details. It’s fast—no title essay, no emissions test. Just enough info for us to confirm free towing and start lining up a slot before December 31.
Choose your earliest convenient pickup window
5 minutesOur team schedules Monday–Saturday pickups throughout the holiday season. To lock in this year’s deduction, choose the earliest date you can and aim to schedule 3–5 business days before December 31 so we can physically tow your car in time.
Get your pickup confirmation and lock in your tax year
Same dayOnce we confirm a pickup date on or before December 31, your deduction year is effectively locked—provided the vehicle is actually picked up that day. We’ll email or text your confirmation with the date, time window, and tow company details for your Alabama address.
Hand over the keys (or just access) on pickup day
15–20 minutesOn the scheduled date, the tow driver meets you anywhere in Alabama—home, workplace, or a repair shop. Non-running and damaged vehicles are fine. You’ll sign the title (if required), remove personal items, and the driver tows your car away at no cost.
Receive your tax acknowledgment and keep it for filing
Within weeks after saleAfter your vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind sends a written acknowledgment, plus IRS Form 1098-C when the sale exceeds $500. The form may arrive in the new year, but the deduction still applies to the year in which your vehicle was picked up.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 pickup sets your deduction year
For the IRS, the donation date is when the charity takes possession of your vehicle. If Alabamotion picks up your car in Alabama on or before December 31, you can generally claim the deduction for that tax year.
Form 1098-C for vehicles sold over $500
When your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind issues IRS Form 1098-C. This form shows the gross sale price, which usually becomes the maximum amount you can claim as a charitable deduction.
Itemizing with Schedule A is required
To use a car donation deduction, you typically must itemize deductions on IRS Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Talk with your tax advisor to confirm whether itemizing makes sense for your situation this year.
Written acknowledgment is needed to claim
The IRS requires a written acknowledgment from the charity for vehicle donations. Heritage for the Blind mails this after the sale. Keep it with your tax records; you don’t file it with your return, but you must have it if the IRS asks.
Pickup year, not letter date, controls
Your deduction belongs to the year your vehicle is picked up, even if your acknowledgment or Form 1098-C arrives in the following year. The key is making sure your Alabama pickup occurs on or before December 31.