In Idaho, the IRS donation date for your vehicle is the day it’s physically picked up—not the day you call or submit the form. To claim your deduction for this tax year, Idaho Wheels Forward (powered by Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3)) must pick up your car on or before December 31. We strongly recommend you schedule your pickup 3–5 business days before December 31 so we can guarantee a year‑end pickup window. Our dispatch team runs Monday through Saturday during the holiday season, and pickup is always 100% free, even for non‑running vehicles.
We serve donors across Idaho—from Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, and Eagle in the Treasure Valley, to Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Twin Falls, up through Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, and Sandpoint. Whether your car is at home in Kuna, at a shop in Moscow, or parked at a condo in Sun Valley, we make year‑end donating simple. The online form takes about two minutes, there’s no inspection or repairs needed, and you’ll receive the IRS-required written acknowledgment after the vehicle sells. But the tax year that matters is locked in on your pickup date, so if you want this year’s deduction, now is the time to schedule.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your 2‑minute Idaho donation form
2 minutesSubmit our secure online form with your contact info, Idaho pickup address, and basic vehicle details. It takes about two minutes and you don’t need the title in hand to start the process—our team will help you with any paperwork questions.
Choose a pickup window before December 31
5 minutesA local scheduling specialist will contact you to offer pickup windows, Monday–Saturday, in your Idaho area. To lock in this tax year, select a date on or before December 31 and aim to book 3–5 business days in advance of year‑end.
Prepare the car (no repairs needed)
10 minutesRemove personal items, gather your keys, and locate the title if available. The car can be non‑running, damaged, or high‑mileage. No emissions test or repairs are required; our towing partners handle loading from driveways, streets, or lots across Idaho.
Free pickup on your scheduled date
15–30 minutesOn your chosen day, a licensed tow partner arrives, verifies the vehicle, and completes the pickup. The IRS donation date is this pickup date. As long as it’s on or before December 31, your deduction applies to that tax year.
Receive your written tax acknowledgment
After saleAfter your vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind mails you a written acknowledgment (and IRS Form 1098‑C if your car sells for more than $500). Keep this with your records to claim your deduction when you file and itemize.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Pickup date controls the deduction year
For the IRS, the donation date is when Heritage for the Blind (for Idaho Wheels Forward) physically picks up your vehicle. If pickup happens on or before December 31, it generally counts as a deduction for that tax year.
Written acknowledgment is required
You’ll receive an official written acknowledgment from Heritage for the Blind after your vehicle sells. This document lists key details of your donation and is what you keep with your tax records to substantiate your deduction.
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 proceeds from the sale, which generally limits the amount you can deduct on your return.
Deduction usually equals sale price
In most cases, the IRS lets you deduct up to the amount your vehicle sells for at auction or wholesale, not the Kelley Blue Book value. Your acknowledgment and any 1098‑C will state this sale amount for your records.
Itemizing on Schedule A is needed
To benefit from a vehicle donation, you must itemize deductions on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. A tax professional can confirm whether itemizing with your Idaho income and deductions makes sense.