For Louisville donors, the IRS rule is simple: your vehicle must be picked up by December 31 to qualify for a tax deduction this year. With Bluegrass Auto Gift, powered by Heritage for the Blind, we schedule Monday–Saturday all year, including Christmas week. In most metro areas we can do same-day or next-day pickup when you contact us before early afternoon on weekdays. To guarantee a December 31 pickup slot, call or submit the 2-minute form by December 27–28. Pickup is always 100% free, and your car does not need to run.
We know Louisville Metro year-end is busy—between downtown traffic, trips across the river to Jeffersonville, and family gatherings in St. Matthews, Jeffersontown, PRP, and Fern Creek. That’s why we keep the process short, clear, and local. You handle a quick form and a signed Kentucky title; we handle everything else, from tow truck dispatch in neighborhoods like the Highlands and Okolona to sending your IRS-ready tax receipt. Donate your car, truck, SUV, or van, help support services for people who are blind or visually impaired through Heritage for the Blind, and lock in a potential 2024 tax deduction before the clock runs out.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your 2-minute donation in Louisville
2 minutesCall Bluegrass Auto Gift or complete the quick online form with your basic vehicle details and Louisville pickup location—whether you’re in Valley Station, Germantown, or across the river in New Albany. No photos, no inspection, and the car does not need to run.
Lock in your pickup day and time window
5 minutesOur scheduling team confirms your preferred pickup date and a time window, Monday–Saturday, including Christmas week. In most Louisville Metro areas we can offer same-day or next-day pickup if you reach us before early afternoon on weekdays—especially crucial near December 31.
Sign your Kentucky title before the truck arrives
5–10 minutesTo make your donation count, the vehicle must have a properly signed title at pickup. We’ll walk you through where to sign for Kentucky titles so that ownership can legally transfer and you’re eligible for your IRS tax deduction this year.
Free tow anywhere in Louisville Metro
15–30 minutes at pickupOur driver arrives at your home, workplace, or storage lot—whether that’s in Middletown, Shively, or Prospect. Towing is completely free, and non-running or damaged vehicles are welcome. Once the car is loaded, your donation for this tax year is locked in as of the pickup date.
Receive your tax receipt and claim your deduction
Within 30 days after saleHeritage for the Blind processes the donation, sells the vehicle, and mails you a written acknowledgment and IRS Form 1098-C when required. That paperwork documents the gross sale price so you can claim your potential deduction when you file your taxes.
Year-end tax deduction facts
December 31 is the IRS cutoff
For tax purposes, your car donation counts in the year the charity takes possession. That means the tow truck must pick up your vehicle by December 31 for it to apply to this tax year, even if the sale happens later.
Receipt usually arrives within 30 days of sale
After pickup, Heritage for the Blind sells your vehicle and then sends you a written acknowledgment. When required, this includes IRS Form 1098-C, which reports the gross proceeds from the sale for your tax return.
Deduction is based on the sale price
In most cases, the IRS allows you to deduct the charity’s gross proceeds from selling your donated vehicle, not the Kelley Blue Book value. Your 1098-C will show the actual sale price you should use when itemizing deductions.
Use Schedule A if you itemize
Vehicle donations are claimed as charitable contributions. To take advantage of the potential deduction, you generally must itemize on Schedule A of your federal return instead of taking the standard deduction.
Form 1098-C for larger deductions
For qualifying donations, Heritage for the Blind issues IRS Form 1098-C. Keep this form, along with your acknowledgment letter, with your tax records to support your deduction if the IRS ever asks for documentation.