In the Dayton Metro, the IRS rule is simple: for your car donation to count toward this year’s taxes, pickup must be completed by December 31. With Gem City Rides, powered by Heritage for the Blind, we run free towing Monday–Saturday all year, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s. In most metro areas, calls before early afternoon can be scheduled same-day or next-day. To practically guarantee a December 31 pickup slot, we recommend you contact us by December 27–28. Your vehicle just needs a signed title—no repairs or inspection needed.
We’re local to the Dayton Metro, picking up in Dayton, Kettering, Beavercreek, Huber Heights, Centerville, Trotwood, Fairborn, Moraine, Riverside, West Carrollton, Vandalia, and beyond. Whether your car runs or not, we’ll tow it at no cost and you’ll receive a tax receipt from Heritage for the Blind (501(c)(3), EIN 58‑2164446). The process starts with a quick 2‑minute online form or phone call, and our dispatch team handles the rest around your holiday schedule. If you’re searching now because you’re up against the year‑end tax deadline, lock in your pickup today so your donation clearly falls in this tax year.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesFrom anywhere in the Dayton Metro, complete our 2‑minute online form or call to donate your car, truck, SUV, or van. Have your title handy and a couple preferred pickup days. We’ll confirm your basic info and that you’re aiming for a current‑year deduction.
Lock in a pre–Dec 31 pickup date
5 minutesOur schedulers book free towing Monday–Saturday all December, including Christmas week, in Dayton and suburbs like Kettering, Beavercreek, and Huber Heights. Contact us by Dec 27–28 to guarantee a Dec 31 pickup option and avoid last‑minute holiday crunches.
Prepare title and keys for tow
10–15 minutesSign your Ohio vehicle title as directed and gather the keys. You don’t need emissions testing, repairs, or a clean car—non‑running and damaged vehicles are fine. Just clear personal items and have your documents ready when the Dayton tow truck arrives.
Free tow anywhere in Dayton Metro
30–60 minutes at pickupOn your scheduled day, our driver meets you at home, work, or a shop in Dayton, Moraine, Fairborn, Vandalia, or surrounding areas. They’ll verify the title, complete quick paperwork, and tow your vehicle away at no cost, completing the donation for this tax year.
Receive your IRS‑ready tax receipt
Within 30 days of saleHeritage for the Blind will send your written acknowledgment and IRS Form 1098‑C (when required) after the car is sold. This document shows the gross sale price, which generally sets your deduction. Keep it with your records for Schedule A when filing federal income taxes.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 decides which tax year you claim
For car donations, the IRS looks at the date your vehicle is actually donated—which means picked up or transferred—not the date you call. If your Dayton pickup is completed by Dec 31, the deduction applies to that calendar tax year.
Use IRS Form 1098‑C for larger deductions
When your donated vehicle is sold for more than the IRS threshold, Heritage for the Blind issues Form 1098‑C. This shows the sale details and must be attached to your return if you’re claiming a qualifying vehicle deduction over the IRS reporting amount.
Your deduction usually equals the sale price
In most cases, your allowable deduction is the vehicle’s gross sale price, not its blue‑book value. Heritage for the Blind sells the vehicle and reports that amount to you. Your tax advisor can help you apply this figure on Schedule A if you itemize.
You must itemize on Schedule A
Car donations are treated as charitable contributions. To benefit, you must itemize deductions on IRS Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. If you don’t itemize, the donation still supports charity but won’t reduce your federal taxable income.
30‑day written acknowledgment requirement
After your Dayton vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind will mail you a written acknowledgment—often on or with Form 1098‑C—within the IRS‑required timeframe, typically 30 days of sale or significant use. Keep this with your records as proof of your deduction.