In North Dakota, the IRS treats the pickup date as your official car-donation date—not the day you call or submit the form. To claim your deduction for this tax year, your vehicle must be physically picked up on or before December 31. With Drive for Good, benefiting Heritage for the Blind, that’s simple: our tow partners work Monday–Saturday through the holiday season, and we recommend scheduling your pickup at least 3–5 business days before December 31 to secure a spot.
Whether you’re in Fargo, West Fargo, Bismarck, Mandan, Grand Forks, Minot, Williston, Dickinson, Jamestown, or Devils Lake, we arrange free towing anywhere in North Dakota. Running or not, no emissions test, and no repairs or detailing needed—we’ll handle everything. After your vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind will mail your written acknowledgment (and IRS Form 1098-C for qualifying donations), but your deduction year is locked in based on that December 31 or earlier pickup. Start the 2‑minute online form or call now so your car is off your driveway and on the books for this tax year.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2-minute donation form or call
2 minutesProvide your contact info, vehicle details, and North Dakota pickup address—whether you’re in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, or a rural town. Tell us you need pickup by Dec 31 so we prioritize your year-end tax deadline.
Choose your preferred pickup window
5 minutesOur team will call to confirm and offer Monday–Saturday pickup options. To safely meet the IRS cutoff, we recommend scheduling 3–5 business days before Dec 31 so a tow truck can reach you even in winter weather.
Prepare your title and remove personal items
10–15 minutesFind your vehicle title (North Dakota title is preferred) and clear personal belongings. No repairs, inspection, or cleaning is required. We accept non-running cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans across North Dakota at no cost to you.
Free towing by Dec 31 locks in this year
15–30 minutes (you don’t need to stay long)The tow driver picks up your vehicle—often from your driveway, farm, or workplace. The pickup date is your IRS donation date. As long as we tow it by Dec 31, it counts for this tax year’s deduction.
Get your tax receipt and Form 1098-C (if applicable)
After sale of vehicleAfter your vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment, and for vehicles over $500, IRS Form 1098-C. The receipt will show the sale amount, but the deduction year is the year your car was picked up.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Pickup date = donation date
For North Dakota donors, the IRS counts your vehicle donation on the day it’s physically picked up by the tow company—not when you schedule or sign the title. To claim this tax year, we must tow it by Dec 31.
Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500
If your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind will issue IRS Form 1098-C. This form shows the gross sale price, which is usually the maximum amount you can deduct when you itemize deductions.
Deduction usually equals sale price
In most cases, your allowable deduction is the amount the charity receives from selling your vehicle, as reported on your written acknowledgment or Form 1098-C. Always review IRS rules or consult a tax professional for specifics.
You must itemize on Schedule A
To claim a tax deduction for your car donation, you must itemize deductions on Schedule A of your federal tax return. If you take the standard deduction, you typically cannot also claim a separate vehicle deduction.
Receipt sent after your vehicle sells
Your acknowledgment letter (and Form 1098-C when required) is mailed after the vehicle sells, often within weeks. Even if the receipt arrives later, your deduction applies to the tax year in which the vehicle was picked up.