If you want this year’s tax deduction, your donated vehicle must be physically picked up by December 31—that’s the IRS rule. Calling or filling out the form is not enough. Cruise Forward, partnering with Heritage for the Blind, can usually schedule your Mobile Metro pickup within 3–5 business days, Monday through Saturday. Complete our 2‑minute online form or call now so we can get you on the calendar and make sure your car, truck, SUV, or van is towed away before the year ends.
We serve the entire Mobile Metro area—from Midtown, Spring Hill, West Mobile, and Tillman’s Corner to Daphne, Fairhope, Saraland, and Theodore. We accept vehicles that don’t run, with no inspection or repairs needed, and towing is always free. After your vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind mails you a written acknowledgment (and IRS Form 1098‑C for vehicles over $500), but your deduction year is locked in based on the pickup date. Donate locally, help people who are blind or visually impaired, clear your driveway, and secure your tax deduction for this year—start your Mobile car donation now.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your Mobile car donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesComplete the quick online form or call Cruise Forward. Have your title (or basic vehicle details) ready and confirm you’re in the Mobile Metro area—Downtown, West Mobile, Saraland, Daphne, Fairhope, or nearby. Tell us you need pickup before December 31 for this year’s deduction so we can prioritize your slot.
Lock in a pickup date before December 31
5–10 minutesOur team, dispatching Monday through Saturday, reviews your request and offers the earliest available time. For year‑end donations, we recommend scheduling at least 3–5 business days before December 31. Once you confirm the appointment, your pre‑Dec 31 pickup is reserved for your Mobile location.
Prepare your keys and title for quick handoff
10–15 minutesBefore your tow truck arrives in Mobile, remove personal items from the vehicle and locate your keys and title. No repairs or emissions tests are required, and non‑running cars are fine. The smoother the handoff in your driveway, apartment lot, or workplace, the faster we can complete pickup before year‑end.
Vehicle is picked up—your deduction year is set
15–30 minutesWhen our driver tows your car on or before December 31, the IRS counts the donation for this tax year. You’ll receive a preliminary receipt at pickup. Even if the vehicle sells later, your deduction year stays tied to this Mobile pickup date—not the sale date.
Receive your written IRS acknowledgment by mail
Within weeks after saleAfter your vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind mails you a written acknowledgment. For vehicles valued over $500, you’ll receive IRS Form 1098‑C. Keep this with your tax records and use it when you itemize deductions—knowing your deduction year is already secured by your Mobile pickup date.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Pickup date controls your tax year
For the IRS, your car donation counts on the date the vehicle is picked up, not the date you call, email, or fill out the form. If your car is towed away in Mobile on or before December 31, it applies to that tax year’s return.
Schedule 3–5 business days before Dec 31
End of year is busy. To avoid missing the cutoff, Mobile donors should aim to schedule pickup at least 3–5 business days before December 31. This gives dispatch time to assign a truck and complete your tow on time, Monday through Saturday.
Written acknowledgment and IRS Form 1098‑C
After your donated vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind sends you a written acknowledgment. If the vehicle’s value exceeds $500, this comes on IRS Form 1098‑C. Keep this document with your tax records to support your charitable deduction.
Deduction generally equals the sale price
In most cases, your allowable IRS deduction is based on the gross proceeds from the sale of your donated vehicle, not an estimated Blue Book value. Your acknowledgment or Form 1098‑C will show this amount for your Schedule A if you itemize deductions.
You must itemize to claim the deduction
Car donations are a charitable contribution. To benefit, you must itemize deductions on Schedule A of your federal return instead of taking the standard deduction. Consult a tax advisor to see if itemizing with your Mobile car donation makes sense for you.