At First State Autos, we recognize that donating your vehicle can feel like a leap of faith. Many donors wonder where their vehicle goes and how the process unfolds. We are committed to transparency, ensuring you know exactly what happens to your car after donation.
This page breaks down our car donation process step-by-step—from the moment we pick up your vehicle to when you receive your tax receipt. Our goal is to provide you with clarity and confidence in your charitable contribution, reinforcing our dedication to serving our community with integrity.
✓Key facts you can verify
- First State Autos is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) charity.
- Vehicles are either sold at auction or used for charitable purposes.
- Donors can claim either the gross proceeds or fair market value for tax deductions.
- All donations are tracked and documented through IRS Form 1098-C.
- We have a proven record of accountability, verified by Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau.
- Our operations are overseen by Delaware's Attorney General registry for charitable organizations.
How it works, step by step
Pickup
On Day 0, we schedule a pickup at your convenience. Our team arrives to collect your vehicle, ensuring a hassle-free experience. You’ll receive a donation receipt at this time.
Transport to Auction Lot
Days 0-5 involve transporting your car to our secure auction lot. We take great care during this stage to protect your vehicle until it’s prepared for auction.
Inspection + Title Verification
Days 3-10 are dedicated to inspecting the vehicle and verifying the title. This ensures that all legal protocols are met before the vehicle is listed for auction.
Auction Listing
Within Days 7-21, your vehicle is listed for auction. This is where we strive to achieve the best possible sale price, maximizing your tax deduction.
Sale
Between Days 14-45, your vehicle will be sold. You will be informed once the sale is completed, which directly impacts your tax deduction.
Proceeds Distribution
Days 30-60 involve distributing proceeds. If sold, we ensure that profits support our charitable programs and you receive your tax documentation.
1098-C Receipt Mailed
You will receive IRS Form 1098-C, documenting your donation, usually within 30-60 days of sale. This is essential for claiming your deduction when filing taxes.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS Public Charity Status
How: You can verify our 501(c)(3) status through the IRS's pub78 online tool, ensuring we meet federal standards for charitable organizations.
✓ Charity Navigator Rating
How: Visit Charity Navigator to assess our financial health and accountability. We are proud to maintain high ratings for transparency and service.
✓ Attorney General Registry
How: Review our registration on the Delaware Attorney General's website, which governs the operations of charities in the state, ensuring we are compliant.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: You can request our Form 990 via GuideStar, which provides insights into our financial operations and how donations are utilized within our organization.
✓ Better Business Bureau Accreditation
How: We invite you to check our BBB profile for details on our complaints and resolutions, underscoring our commitment to donor satisfaction and transparency.
Real impact, real numbers
At First State Autos, your donated vehicles directly impact the lives of Delaware residents. For instance, in the past year alone, we have provided over 300 families with reliable transportation assistance, enabling them to access jobs, schools, and medical services. Each vehicle sold at auction typically generates an average of $1,500 in proceeds, which directly funds our community programs. Your generosity not only provides tax benefits but also real solutions for those in need.
Delaware oversight
As a Delaware-based charity, First State Autos operates under the regulations set by the state’s charity registrar. If you ever have concerns regarding our operations, the Delaware Attorney General has a complaint process in place to address donor inquiries. Additionally, local consumer protection resources are available to assist with any issues related to charitable donations in our state.