In Greater New Orleans, the IRS counts the pickup date as your official car donation date – not the day you call, sign online, or schedule. To claim your deduction for this tax year, your vehicle must be physically picked up on or before December 31. That means you’ll want to schedule pickup 3–5 business days before New Year’s Eve so Crescent Wheels and our nonprofit partner Heritage for the Blind can secure a truck slot in time.
Crescent Wheels knows how year‑end feels in New Orleans – from Uptown and Mid‑City to Algiers, Metairie, Gretna, Kenner, and the Westbank. We make it simple: a 2‑minute form or quick call, free pickup Monday through Saturday (including the holiday season), and non‑running vehicles accepted with no inspections or repairs needed. After your car sells, Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment (and IRS Form 1098‑C for vehicles over $500). But your deduction is tied to the pickup year, not the mailing date. Donate now, beat the December 31 IRS cutoff, and turn your car into support for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesSubmit our fast online form or call Crescent Wheels from anywhere in Greater New Orleans – Bywater, Lakeview, Gentilly, Metairie, Kenner and beyond. Have your title (or basic vehicle info) ready so we can lock in your donation quickly for this tax year.
Choose a pickup window before Dec 31
5 minutesTell us the earliest dates that work for you. To safely meet the IRS deadline, we recommend scheduling pickup at least 3–5 business days before December 31. Our team dispatches Monday–Saturday through the holiday season in Greater New Orleans.
Confirm your tax-year deadline by email or phone
5 minutesWe’ll confirm your scheduled pickup date and remind you that your deduction year is based on that actual pickup date. If the calendar’s tight, we’ll prioritize your New Orleans-area pickup so you can still qualify for this year’s deduction if a truck is available.
Free tow – running or not
30–60 minutes on pickup dayOur towing partner arrives at your home, work, or storage lot in New Orleans, Metairie, Gretna, Harvey, or elsewhere in the region. No repairs or inspection needed. Once the vehicle is on the truck on or before December 31, your donation is locked in for this tax year.
Receive your tax paperwork after sale
Within weeks after saleAfter your vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment and IRS Form 1098‑C for vehicles over $500. These documents show the sale price and confirm your deduction for the tax year in which we picked up your car.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 pickup = this year’s deduction
For the IRS, your car donation date is the day your vehicle is physically picked up, not when you call or sign online. If the tow truck takes your car on or before December 31, you can claim the deduction for that tax year.
Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500
When your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind issues IRS Form 1098‑C. This shows the gross sale price, which generally becomes the maximum charitable deduction you may claim for your car donation.
You must itemize on Schedule A
To benefit from a car donation tax deduction, you need to itemize deductions on Schedule A of your federal tax return. If you don’t itemize, you won’t be able to claim a charitable deduction for your Crescent Wheels donation.
Written acknowledgment is required
The IRS requires a written acknowledgment from the charity for vehicle donations. Heritage for the Blind sends this after your car sells, generally within 30 days of the sale, so you have documentation backing your deduction if you are ever audited.
Sale price usually sets your deduction
In most cases, your deduction is limited to the vehicle’s actual sale price, not an estimated Blue Book value. Your 1098‑C or written acknowledgment will list this amount for your tax records and for your Schedule A filing.