If you live in the Dayton Metro area and want your car donation to count for this tax year, the key is simple: your IRS donation date is the actual pickup date. When Gem City Rides arranges your free tow on or before December 31, that pickup locks in your deduction for this year, even if the vehicle is sold later. Start now: our secure online form takes about two minutes, or you can call Gem City Rides (donations processed for the 501(c)(3) Heritage for the Blind) to schedule by phone.
We know year-end in Dayton comes fast—between driving I‑75 and I‑70, shopping at The Greene or Dayton Mall, and visiting family in Kettering, Beavercreek, Huber Heights, Centerville, Trotwood, and Fairborn. That’s why we keep this simple: no repairs, no emissions test, no recent registration needed. A licensed tow truck comes to your address—from downtown Dayton and Oregon District to Riverside, Englewood, Miamisburg, and beyond. Just hand over the signed title at pickup, and we handle the rest. Donate now to support services for people who are blind or visually impaired and secure your deduction before the December 31 cutoff.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your donation in about two minutes
2 minutesUse Gem City Rides’ fast online form or call now. Share basic info about your car and Dayton-area pickup location—whether you’re in Kettering, Beavercreek, Huber Heights, or downtown. As soon as you submit, your request enters our dispatch queue for year-end scheduling.
Get a quick call to schedule pickup
Within 1–2 business hoursOn weekdays, a donation coordinator for Heritage for the Blind calls you back within 1–2 hours (often much faster) to confirm details and offer the earliest free tow slots. You choose the date and time that works, including December 31 if a slot is open.
Free licensed tow truck at your address
Same day or next business day in most metrosIn most metro areas, including Dayton, a licensed tow truck can arrive the same day or the next business day (Monday–Saturday). They’ll meet you at home, work, or a shop in places like Centerville, Fairborn, Trotwood, or Miamisburg—no need to drive the vehicle anywhere.
Sign your Ohio title at pickup
5–10 minutesAt pickup, you sign your Ohio vehicle title over to Heritage for the Blind. The driver will show you exactly where to sign. Once the tow truck loads your car and leaves on or before December 31, that physical pickup date is your IRS donation date for this tax year.
We sell the vehicle and mail your tax receipt
Within 30 days of saleYour donated vehicle is transported, processed, and sold. Within 30 days of the sale, Heritage for the Blind mails you IRS Form 1098‑C or a written acknowledgment showing the gross sale price—documentation you’ll need if you itemize deductions on your federal return.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Pickup date = donation date
For IRS purposes, your donation happens when the charity takes possession of the vehicle, not when it’s sold. If Gem City Rides arranges pickup on or before December 31, that pickup date secures your deduction for this tax year.
Form 1098-C shows sale price
For most vehicle donations, your deduction is based on the charity’s gross sale price. Heritage for the Blind sends IRS Form 1098‑C or a similar acknowledgment, stating that amount for you and the IRS—keep it with your tax records.
You must itemize to deduct
Car donations are generally deducted as charitable contributions on Schedule A. That means you only benefit tax-wise if you itemize deductions instead of taking the standard deduction. Check with a tax advisor about your specific situation.
30-day receipt window
IRS rules require that you receive Form 1098‑C or a written acknowledgment within 30 days of the vehicle’s sale. Heritage for the Blind mails your documentation promptly so you have what you need when preparing your return.
Non-running cars are still deductible
Your vehicle does not need to run, pass inspection, or have current registration to qualify as a donation. As long as you transfer a clear title and the charity accepts the vehicle, the donation can be eligible for a tax deduction.