In Greater New Orleans, the IRS deadline is firm: your vehicle must be picked up by December 31 for your car donation to count toward this year’s tax return. With Crescent Wheels, working with Heritage for the Blind, we run pickups Monday–Saturday all through December, including the week of Christmas. In most metro areas we can schedule same-day or next-business-day when you contact us before early afternoon on weekdays. To guarantee a December 31 pickup slot, call or submit the form by December 27–28, with your signed title ready.
We know New Orleans slows down for the holidays, but your donation doesn’t have to. From Lakeview, Gentilly, and the Marigny to Algiers, New Orleans East, Metairie, Kenner, Gretna, and the Westbank, Crescent Wheels makes it easy: free towing, any condition, no inspection or repairs needed. A quick, 2-minute form or phone call locks in your pickup and your tax-year. Proceeds support Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) providing services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Beat the end-of-year rush—get your New Orleans car donation on the calendar now and cross both clutter and taxes off your list.
Your year-end donation timeline
1. Start your donation (2 minutes)
2 minutesComplete our simple online form or call Crescent Wheels. Have your vehicle’s basic info and location in Greater New Orleans ready. We’ll confirm we can tow it free, whether it’s in Uptown, the Bywater, Metairie, Kenner, or elsewhere in the region.
2. Choose your pickup day and lock in Dec 31
5 minutesWe schedule Monday–Saturday year-round, including Christmas week. In most metro areas we can pick up same-day or next-day for weekday calls before early afternoon. Contact us by Dec 27–28 to guarantee a Dec 31 slot while they’re still open.
3. Sign the title and prepare your keys
10 minutesTo meet the IRS deadline, the vehicle must be picked up with a properly signed title. We’ll explain how to sign your Louisiana title and what to have ready when the tow truck arrives—no repairs, emissions, or cleaning required.
4. Free tow anywhere in Greater New Orleans
Day of pickupOur tow partner arrives at your home, office, or shop—whether that’s in Mid-City, New Orleans East, Algiers, Harahan, or the Westbank. The tow is always free, and we’ll take your car, truck, SUV, or van even if it doesn’t run.
5. Get your tax receipt and file your deduction
Within weeksAfter auction or sale, Heritage for the Blind mails you a tax receipt. For most donations, your deduction equals the sale price. If it’s over the IRS threshold, you’ll also use Form 1098-C when you itemize on Schedule A.
Year-end tax deduction facts
December 31 pickup = this year’s deduction
For car donations, the IRS looks at when the charity takes possession. If Crescent Wheels and Heritage for the Blind pick up your vehicle by December 31, you may generally claim the deduction on this year’s tax return.
You need a written tax receipt
Heritage for the Blind will mail you a written acknowledgment showing details of your donation and, once sold, the gross sale price. Keep this receipt with your tax records to support the deduction if the IRS asks.
Form 1098-C for larger donations
For vehicle donations over the IRS reporting threshold, Heritage for the Blind will provide the information needed for Form 1098-C. You use this with your federal return when you itemize your charitable deductions.
Deduction usually equals sale price
In most cases, your allowable deduction is the amount the charity receives when your vehicle is sold, not the Kelley Blue Book value. The sale price appears on your receipt and is what you report when you file.
Itemize on Schedule A to claim
To benefit from a federal tax deduction for your car donation, you must itemize deductions using Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. A tax professional can help you determine what’s best for your situation.