In San Diego, the IRS rule is clear: for your car donation to count for this year’s tax deduction, your vehicle must be picked up on or before December 31—not just scheduled. Wheel Forward, benefiting Heritage for the Blind, runs Monday–Saturday pickups all the way through December 31, including Christmas week, across the San Diego Metro area. In most neighborhoods, if you contact us on a weekday before early afternoon, we can often arrange same-day or next-day towing. To safely lock in a December 31 pickup time, call or submit our 2‑minute form by December 27–28, and be sure you have a signed title ready.
We make year‑end car donation easy and local. Whether you’re in North Park, Chula Vista, La Jolla, Escondido, El Cajon, Mira Mesa, Oceanside, or any community across San Diego County, we’ll come to you with free towing—running or not, no smog, no repairs, no inspection required. Heritage for the Blind is a real 501(c)(3) organization, and you’ll receive a written tax receipt, typically for the sale price of your vehicle. Don’t wait until the holiday rush or risk missing the cutoff. If you want your donation to count for this tax year, donate your car now and secure your pickup before December 31.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesComplete Wheel Forward’s simple online form or call our San Diego donation line. It takes about two minutes to provide basic info: your contact details, vehicle location, and condition. We’ll immediately start matching you with the next available tow slot before the December 31 IRS cutoff.
Choose a pickup day before Dec 31
5 minutesOur scheduling team confirms your San Diego Metro location—from downtown and Hillcrest to Chula Vista, Poway, or Vista—and offers the earliest open time. For a guaranteed year-end pickup, contact us by December 27–28 so we can reserve a spot for you on or before December 31.
Sign the title and prepare your keys
10 minutesTo complete your tax-deductible donation, you’ll need a properly signed California title at pickup. Remove personal items and license plates if you wish, keep your keys handy, and we’ll handle the rest. No repairs or smog checks needed—non-running vehicles are completely fine.
Free towing anywhere in San Diego Metro
30–60 minutes at pickupOn your agreed pickup day, our professional tow partner comes to your home, office, or storage lot in San Diego County—Mission Valley, Clairemont, National City, Carlsbad, you name it. Towing is always free to you, and pickup must be completed by December 31 for this year’s tax benefit.
Receive your tax receipt from Heritage for the Blind
Within 30 days of saleAfter your vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind mails you a written acknowledgment, typically within 30 days of the sale. For most donors, your allowable deduction is based on the final sale price. Keep this receipt with your tax records for filing your Schedule A and Form 1098‑C if required.
Year-end tax deduction facts
December 31 drives which tax year it counts for
The IRS looks at the date your car is actually donated—meaning picked up and transferred—not the date you call. If your vehicle is picked up on or before December 31, it generally applies to that tax year’s return.
Form 1098‑C documents larger vehicle donations
When your vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind will provide the necessary written acknowledgment. For deductions over certain IRS thresholds, you’ll use Form 1098‑C with your tax return to support your charitable car donation.
Deduction usually equals the charity’s sale price
In most cases, your deductible amount is based on the gross sale price the charity receives for your car, not a pricing guide. This sale amount will be noted on your receipt or Form 1098‑C from Heritage for the Blind.
Schedule A is needed to claim your deduction
To claim a vehicle donation on your federal return, you must itemize deductions using Schedule A. If you take the standard deduction and don’t itemize, you generally cannot claim a separate deduction for your donated car.
Charity receipt usually arrives within 30 days of sale
After your vehicle is picked up and sold, Heritage for the Blind sends a written acknowledgment, typically within 30 days after sale. Keep this document with your records in case the IRS needs to verify your charitable deduction.