Donate Your Car
Thinking about selling or trading in your car, truck, motorcycle, boat, motor-home or other vehicle? Donate it to the Park Foundation and benefit Fairfax County's parks.
By donating your vehicle to the Park Foundation you'll get rid of an unwanted vehicle without the hassle and expense of trying to sell it. You'll get a tax deduction and the pleasure of supporting our beautiful parks and providing recreation program scholarships for low income children.
We have partnered with Charitable Auto Resources (CARS), Inc. to handle our vehicle donations. Donating is fast and easy and vehicle pick-up is free. CARS will accept cars, trucks, boats and motor homes - whether or not they are in operating condition.
Donate Your Car online or call toll-free 877-537-5277. A vehicle donation representative will schedule a pickup that's convenient for you and provide confirmation of your donation.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What are the benefits of donating my car to the Park Foundation?
The Foundation benefits by receiving a cash donation to Fairfax County parkland, facilities and services.
You benefit by reducing your taxable income when taxes are itemized. Plus you avoid the costs associated with selling your car. No need to pay for advertising, no loss of privacy, no security risk, and no need to pay for vehicle registration, insurance and repairs to keep your car in running condition while you wait for a buyer.
Does my car have to be running to donate it?
No. We can take your car, running or not. However, it must have an engine and be tow-able.
Do you only accept cars for donation?
Many types of motor vehicles are accepted including boats, motorcycles, trucks, motor-homes, airplanes, time-shares, and even houses. If you are uncertain whether or not your vehicle is eligible, please contact a representative toll-free at 877-537-5277.
How long will it take to pick up my vehicle?
We make donating your car as simple and convenient as possible. A towing company will normally contact you to schedule pick-up within two to three business days. In some cases, same-day pick-up may be available.
Do I have to be with the vehicle at the time of pick-up?
No. Special arrangements can be made with the vehicle donation representative.
What paperwork do I need?
The only paperwork needed is a signed, clear title. Have your title with you when you call-in your donation. [A clear title indicates the title is in the name of the donor with no lien.]
Do I get a receipt for my donation?
Yes. The driver will issue a receipt at the time of pick-up. It will list your name, the year, make, model and condition of the vehicle you are donating.
Tax Questions
How will I document my tax deduction?
You will receive IRS Form 1098-C, "Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes" in the mail within 30 days of the sale of your vehicle. The form will state the amount of the gross proceeds if your vehicle sold for more than $500 and you submitted your social security number. This will be the tax receipt for your charitable contribution. If value of the vehicle does not exceed $500, you will receive a thank you letter that can be used as a tax receipt.
What can I claim as a deduction?
According to the tax law effective January 1, 2005, if the claimed value of the donated vehicle exceeds $500, the taxpayer is limited to the gross proceeds of the sale.
How is the value of the donated vehicle determined?
The value is determined by the gross proceeds raised from the sale of the donated vehicle.
