At Crescent Wheels, we understand that donating your car is a big decision, often accompanied by skepticism about where your vehicle ends up and how it benefits our community. We want to assure you that transparency is at the heart of our operations. This page outlines every step of the donation process, helping you understand how we handle your vehicle from the moment it is picked up to when you receive your tax receipt.
You'll find a clear timeline, key facts, and answers to common questions that we hope will ease your concerns. We believe in providing you with information that empowers you to make informed decisions. Our commitment to transparency ensures that every donation helps support our mission in New Orleans, allowing us to provide vital transportation assistance to those who need it most.
✓Key facts you can verify
- Crescent Wheels is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity.
- Donors can verify our status via the IRS Pub 78 lookup tool.
- We have been rated positively on Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau.
- Every vehicle is inspected and titled before it is sold or used.
- Donors receive IRS Form 1098-C for tax deductions based on actual sale price.
- Our operations are overseen by the Louisiana Attorney General's office to ensure compliance.
- We provide transportation assistance to over 500 individuals annually.
How it works, step by step
Pickup (Day 0)
Once you schedule your donation, our team promptly arranges for the pickup of your vehicle. This process is typically seamless, ensuring that all paperwork is handled on-site.
Transport to Auction Lot (Days 0-5)
After pickup, your vehicle is transported to our secure auction lot. Here, it awaits inspection and title verification, which usually occurs within a few days.
Inspection + Title Verification (Days 3-10)
Within a week, our team inspects the vehicle to assess its condition and verifies the title. This step is crucial for ensuring a smooth auction process and compliance with regulations.
Auction Listing (Days 7-21)
Once inspected, your vehicle is listed for auction. This listing typically occurs within two weeks, maximizing visibility and potential sale price.
Sale (Days 14-45)
The vehicle is sold at auction, usually within 30 days. The actual sale price is what determines the tax deduction you can claim, and the timeline may vary based on demand.
Proceeds Distribution (Days 30-60)
After the sale, proceeds are allocated to our programs, ensuring that your donation directly supports our transportation assistance initiatives. This process usually completes within two months.
1098-C Receipt Mailed (Days 30-60)
You will receive IRS Form 1098-C in the mail, detailing the sale of your vehicle and the amount you can claim as a tax deduction, typically mailed within 30 days of the sale.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS Status Validation
How: Use the IRS Pub 78 online tool to confirm Crescent Wheels' status as a registered 501(c)(3) charity. This ensures your donation is tax-deductible.
✓ Charity Ratings
How: Visit Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau’s website to view our ratings and reviews. These platforms provide insights into our financial health and transparency.
✓ Louisiana Attorney General Registry
How: Check the Louisiana Attorney General's website for our registration and compliance standing. This resource protects consumers against fraudulent charities.
✓ Form 990 Access
How: You can access our Form 990 filings online. These documents provide detailed information about our finances, programs, and operational transparency.
Real impact, real numbers
Your donation makes a tangible impact. For example, in the last year, Crescent Wheels provided transportation assistance to over 500 individuals in New Orleans. We have helped clients access job interviews, medical appointments, and essential services, ensuring they can maintain their independence. Each donated vehicle contributes to our programs, with proceeds from sales generating approximately $50,000 annually to support our mission. Your generosity directly helps empower our community members to overcome transportation barriers and improve their quality of life.
New Orleans oversight
As a charity operating in New Orleans, Crescent Wheels is registered with the Louisiana Secretary of State and adheres to state regulations. If you ever have concerns or wish to file a complaint, the Louisiana Attorney General's office provides resources and support. Additionally, our operations are subject to consumer protection laws, ensuring that we maintain high standards of integrity and accountability in our community.