There are many types of charitable organizations around the world, created to benefit the world in ways ranging from feeding starving children in Ethiopia to fighting brain tumors. You can help the cause of your choice by methods as diverse as donating time, donating clothing, or donating furniture.
One thing that many people may not immediately consider donating is their car. But it makes sense, when you think about it. Selling a used car is a hassle, and a used car that sits in front of your house (or worse, in your yard) for months is an eyesore. Car donation in Minnesota is not much different from car donation in other states across the United States . There are numerous organizations that are ready and willing to accept the donation of your old clunker, and some of them will even cover towing arrangements if they're necessary.
Perhaps you'd like to do something nice by donating your car. But, like most of us, you are strapped for cash. So you keep telling yourself that you'll get around to selling that old car in your driveway eventually since you really need the money. There is a way you can get the best of both worlds: assuage your conscience and your pocketbook at the same time.
If you make a car donation in Minnesota , you are eligible for a tax deduction for the market value of your car. You will not have to worry about advertising your car in the papers. You will not have to wrangle with the dealer about trade-in value and end up getting about 60% of what your car is actually worth. Instead, you merely call a charity to come get your car, obtain a receipt from them describing what you donated, and you determine the value of your car that you will claim for a deduction on your taxes. Just make sure the value that you claim is fairly accurate or you may end up facing trouble with the IRS. One more caution: make sure that the charity you select is an official and reputable charity; if it is not you will not be able to legally claim the tax deduction (not to mention the fact that you've just wasted your good deed on a fraudulent company instead of one with a good cause.
It's not very difficult to find organizations that will accept a car donation in Minnesota . The biggest, and most time-efficient resource you can use is the Internet. You can find out about the policies of various charities regarding car donations; find out where exactly the money from your donation will be going, and find out what percentage of your donation will go towards overhead costs and what percentage goes to charity itself. Word of mouth is also a good source when it comes to finding worthwhile and reputable charities for a car donation in Minnesota . If you know of anyone who has donated a car (and you probably do, it's a more common form of donation than you might think) ask them about the process they went through with the company they donated to. Any good charity will keep your donation very simple and convenient for you.
So go ahead and donate that old rusty pickup truck that's been sitting on your front lawn. You'll get rid of the vehicle conveniently and get a tax deduction, and believe me, the neighbors won't miss it.
By Lauren Culliton