Center for Ecological Living and Learning (CELL)

Car, Boat, Motorcycle, RV Donation Program

Donate your car, boat, motorcycle, or RV and show your support for CELL’s

sustainability education work. It’s easy to make a contribution that supports CELL while, at the same time, providing a tax benefit to you! If you think you might be interested in this type of donation, please give CELL a call at (207) 230-4025, and we can discuss options. Note: CELL is looking for a donation of a sailboat (35′ to 40′) that we can use in our CELL semester orientation programs in Maine. We would like to convert it to solar and wind power and use it to teach students about the environmental issues facing our oceans while building team-building skills.

Here’s how it works:

• CELL partners with Charitable Auto Resources who arrange all the administrative details of the donation. Just call Toll-Free 877-537-5277 or email at your convenience donations@charitableautoresources.com to speak to a CELL Vehicle Donation Representative.

• A representative will schedule a pickup that’s convenient for you, and provide you with confirmation of your donation.

• If the gross proceeds from the sale of your donated vehicle, for example, are $500 or more, and if you provide your social security number to our partnering representative at the time of your donation, you will also receive an IRS tax form 1098C stating the sale price of the vehicle. This amount is what you actually claim on the itemized tax return.

• According to the tax law effective January 1, 2005, if the claimed value of the donated vehicle exceeds $500, the taxpayer is limited to the gross proceeds of the sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of donating my car, boat, etc. to CELL?

CELL benefits by receiving a cash donation to fund new and existing sustainability education programs and/or provide scholarship assistance for students.

You benefit by being able to reduce your taxable income when taxes are itemized. Plus you avoid the costs associated with selling your car, boat, etc. No need to pay for advertising, no loss of privacy and possible security risk, and no need to pay for vehicle registration, insurance, and repairs to keep your car or boat in running condition while you wait for a buyer.

Do you only accept cars for donation?

Many types of motor vehicles are accepted including boats, motorcycles, trucks, and cars. If you are uncertain as to whether or not your vehicle is eligible, please contact the vehicle donation program toll free at 877-537-5277.

How long will it take to pick up my vehicle?

We make donating your car as simple and convenient as possible. A tow company will contact you within two to three business days. Call our representatives at 877-537-5277.

Do I have to be with the vehicle at the time of pick-up?

No. Special arrangements can be made by calling our representative.

What paperwork do I need?

The only paperwork needed is a signed, clear title (referred to as a “pink slip” in California only). Have your title with you when you call-in your donation. [Please note: a clear title indicates the title is in the name of the donor without a lien].

What if I receive legal notices?

In the rare event that you receive any notification of a lien sale, DMV actions or other activity related to your donated vehicle, please contact us at 877-537-5277 immediately for assistance.

Tax Questions

How does the new law effect my tax deduction?

Donors are no longer responsible for determining the deductible value of their donation. Instead, they will receive IRS Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes if the proceeds from the sale exceed $500, stating the amount of the gross proceeds from the sale of the donated vehicle. The amount listed on IRS Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes will be the gross proceeds of the deductible donation.

Will I get a tax receipt for my donation?

Yes, our driver will issue a tow receipt at the time of pick-up. This is not your final tax receipt unless the sale of your vehicle does not exceed $500. This initial acknowledgement will indicate your name as well as the year, make, model and condition of the car you are donating. It will be your only receipt if your vehicle sells for less than $500.

What can I claim as a deduction?

According to the tax law effective January 1, 2005, if the claimed value of the donated vehicle exceeds $500, the taxpayer is limited to the gross proceeds of the sale.

An IRS Form 1098-C, “Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes” will be mailed to you within 30 days of the sale stating the amount of gross proceeds received from your car, provided your vehicle sold for more than $500 and you have submitted your social security number. This will be your tax receipt for your charitable contribution.

How is the value determined on the vehicle donated?

The value is determined by the gross proceeds raised from the sale of the donated vehicle. You no longer have the burden of determining the value yourself.

Does the new law affect CELL?

CELL has additional paperwork in reporting the gross proceeds raised from the sale of the vehicle to the donor and IRS. The process of obtaining the cash donation from the vehicle remains the same.

What if my car, boat, etc. is valued over $5000?

Effective January 1, 2005, you are no longer required to have vehicles appraised. The value you may claim will be the amount of gross proceeds received from your vehicle, boat, etc.