FAQs
Gas Monkey Foundation makes donating a vehicle quick and easy, but we understand that sometimes you may have questions regarding the car donation process. We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and divided them into four sections shown below: Each section will help provide answers to questions you may have regarding how to donate a car, truck, RV, boat, or other vehicle. Gas Monkey Foundation also provides answers to common questions regarding tax laws and what forms are needed to take a tax deduction. If at any time you are unable to locate answers to a question, feel free to give us a call at 1-800-MONKEY4. It’s that easy!How do I get my car picked up?
We will contact you within 24 hours of receipt of the donation to schedule a pickup within 2 to 3 business days. If you need your car picked up sooner, please call us toll-free at 1-800-MONKEY4 seven days a week. We may be able to make those arrangements as well. The vehicle will be picked up by a licensed tow company at no cost to you and will be taken to our location. You will be provided a Pick-Up Receipt by the tow truck operator. You will need the title to the vehicle, but if you do not have it, please call us anyway. It is possible that other arrangements can be made. Please call us toll-free at 1-800-MONKEY4 seven days a week.
What happens to my car after I donate it?
We have our own sales locations where we evaluate the cars. When it is cost-effective, we make major and/or minor mechanical repairs. We use auction houses to sell the majority of our vehicles. On occasion we may receive a unique or specialty item for which we may use other means to sell the vehicle.
When do I receive my receipt and tax forms?
Gas Monkey Foundation will provide a written acknowledgment of your car donation as soon as you donate your car — either by using our online car donation form or by calling one of our operators. As soon as the car is sold, and it is determined that your donated car qualifies for a deduction of more than $500, we will mail you an additional receipt and will include an IRS Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes. This information will be mailed to you within 30 days of the sale if you provided your tax identification number at the time of your initial donation.
What are the benefits of donating my car to Gas Monkey Foundation?
Gas Monkey Foundation benefits by receiving a cash donation to fund new and existing programs and increase community awareness through local events. You benefit by being able to reduce 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 and possible 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?
We can take your vehicle running or not. However, it must have an engine and be towable. Contact a Gas Monkey Foundation representative at 1-800-MONKEY4 to find out if your vehicle qualifies for pick-up.
How long will it take to pick up my vehicle?
Gas Monkey Foundation makes donating your car as simple and convenient as possible. We will contact you within 24 hours of receipt of the donation to schedule a pickup within 2 to 3 business days. If you need your car picked up sooner, please call us toll-free at 1-800-MONKEY4 seven days a week. We may be able to make those arrangements as well.
Do I need a smog certificate in order to donate my car?
For states that require smog certificates or safety inspections, you may donate your vehicle without these documents.
What if I receive legal notices?
In the rare event that you receive any notification of a lien sale, DMV actions, infractions, evasions or other activity related to your donated vehicle, please contact us at 1-800-MONKEY4 immediately for assistance.
Do I need the Title to donate my vehicle?
You will need the title to the vehicle, but if you do not have it, please call us anyway. It is possible that other arrangements can be made. Please call us toll-free at 1-800-MONKEY4 seven days a week.
How does the law effect my tax deduction?
Donors are not responsible for determining the deductible value of their donation. Instead, they will receive IRS Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes if the proceeds from the sale exceed $500, stating the amount of the gross proceeds from the sale of the donated vehicle. The amount listed on IRS Form 1098-C will be the gross proceeds of the deductible donation.
Will I get a tax receipt for my donation?
Yes, our driver will provide a receipt at the time of pick-up. This is not your final tax receipt unless the sale of your vehicle does not exceed $500. This initial acknowledgement will indicate your name as well as the year, make, model and condition of the car you are donating. It will be your only receipt if your vehicle sells for less than $500 and you provided your tax payer identification number at the time of the donation. You will need to file this form with the IRS in order to claim a tax deduction for your vehicle donation. An IRS Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes will be mailed to you within 30 days of the sale stating the amount of gross proceeds received from your car, provided your vehicle sold for more than $500. This will be your tax receipt for your charitable contribution.
How is the value determined on the vehicle donated?
The value is determined by the gross proceeds raised from the sale of the donated vehicle. You no longer have the burden of determining the value yourself. The nonprofit organization will report the gross proceeds raised from the sale of the vehicle to the donor and IRS.
What type of paperwork will I need to donate my car?
You will need a clear title. Any lien holder listed on the title must be cleared and or released by the bank. This law varies by state.
Do I need to remove my license plates?
This law varies by state. Please refer to the DMV in your state for clear instructions.
What if I do not have the title?
Contact your state DMV for directions on how to obtain a new title.
What if the title is not in my name?
Contact your state DMV for directions on how to transfer the title into your name.
How do we transfer ownership?
Contact your state DMV for directions on how to transfer the title into your name.
Do I need to notify the DMV when I donate my vehicle?
Each state has different criteria on how notification is made. Some states require the license plates to be returned to the DMV and other states may require a Release of Liability to be submitted to the DMV. Please contact your State DMV for directions on how to notify the state that you are no longer the owner of the vehicle.
Does my title need to be notarized?
Some states do require the title or transfer forms to be notarized, please check with your State DMV office for clarification. To get answers for your specific DMV question, please refer to the DMV in your state for clear instructions. You can access your state DMV web site from our DMV Links page.