At Volunteer Wheels, we understand that donating your car is a significant decision, and it’s natural to feel skeptical about how the process works. We are committed to providing full transparency about what happens to your vehicle after donation. Rest assured, your contribution helps us provide vital transportation assistance to those in need.
This page outlines the chronological journey of your donated car, from the moment it is picked up to when you receive your tax receipt. Transparency is not just an expectation; it’s our standard. We aim to eliminate any doubts by clearly explaining every step of the donation process.
✓Key facts you can verify
- Volunteer Wheels is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity.
- Donors can check our charity status through IRS pub78.
- We provide tax receipts reflecting actual sale price for auctioned cars.
- Vehicles used for program purposes offer a fair market value deduction.
- We are listed on Charity Navigator, ensuring accountability.
- Our financials are available via Form 990, accessible for public review.
How it works, step by step
Pickup (Day 0)
The donation process begins with the schedule of a pickup. Our team arrives at your location to collect the vehicle, making it convenient and hassle-free for you.
Transport to Auction Lot (Day 0-5)
Once collected, your vehicle is transported to our auction lot, where it is securely stored. This process is typically completed within five days of pickup.
Inspection + Title Verification (Day 3-10)
Your vehicle undergoes a thorough inspection and title verification, ensuring all paperwork is accurate. This stage usually takes between three to ten days.
Auction Listing (Day 7-21)
After the inspection, your car is listed for auction. This listing process generally occurs within two to three weeks from pickup, maximizing its visibility for potential buyers.
Sale (Day 14-45)
The auction takes place typically within 14 to 45 days. The final sale price will determine the donation's tax deduction value and will be reflected in your receipt.
Proceeds Distribution (Day 30-60)
Proceeds from the sale are distributed within 30 to 60 days post-sale, supporting our programs and services aimed at helping those in need.
1098-C Receipt Mailed (Day 30-60)
You will receive your 1098-C receipt within 30 days of the sale, which includes details required for your tax return. This ensures you have the necessary documentation for tax purposes.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS Pub 78 Lookup
How: Verify our charity status and tax-exempt status on the IRS website using the Pub 78 tool, ensuring you are donating to a legitimate organization.
✓ Charity Navigator Check
How: Review our Charity Navigator profile to see our ratings and reviews, which reflect our accountability and financial health.
✓ Attorney General Registry
How: Confirm our registration with the Tennessee Attorney General’s office. This registry includes information about the charity and complaints filed, ensuring transparency.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: Access our Form 990 filings through publicly available databases, providing insight into our financial practices and how donations are utilized.
✓ Better Business Bureau Accreditation
How: Check our BBB profile to verify our standing and customer reviews, which indicate our commitment to ethical practices.
Real impact, real numbers
Since our inception, Volunteer Wheels has empowered over 1,000 individuals with reliable transportation assistance. With each vehicle donation, we generated approximately $300,000 in funds last year, directly funding vital programs that addressed transportation barriers for low-income families in Tennessee. Your contribution can transform lives by providing reliable access to jobs, medical appointments, and essential services in our communities.
Tennessee oversight
Tennessee donors are protected by the state charity registrar, which oversees charitable organizations to ensure compliance with state laws. If you have any complaints, the Attorney General’s office provides a process for addressing grievances related to charities. Furthermore, local consumer protection resources are available to support you in making informed donation decisions.