Frequently Asked Questions


Have concerns about donating your car? Not sure if Vetmade is the right charity? Want to understand how vehicle donations work? Our donors have asked many of these questions and here are the answers.

When I donate my car do I have to pay anything?

No, there is no cost to you at all. We handle towing and all of the necessary state forms to transfer the vehicle.

Are there any forms I need to fill out in order to claim a tax deduction?

Once the value of your donation has been determined we will provide you with a completed IRS form 1098-C if the value of your vehicle is over $500. When you submit your federal income tax return you will need to include a form 8283, which lists any donations you have made. The form 1098-C we provide to you will have all the information you or your tax professional will need to complete form 8283.

What will happen to my car?

In most cases your car will be sold at auction. In some cases the car will used by Vetmade to assist the charity in daily activities.

What condition does my car need to be in to be donated?

We will accept any vehicle, even if it requires repairs in order to be valuable. In some cases we will sell the vehicle as is and in other cases we will make the repairs before selling the vehicle or putting it into service. If a vehicle cannot be repaired we may recycle the vehicle.

Do I have to provide any documentation when I donate my car?

Yes, we require that you have clear title to the vehicle. You must clear any liens or loans against the vehicle before it can be donated.

The car is not registered in my name. Can I still donate it and deduct it?

Yes, you can donate the vehicle, as long as you have clear title that has been signed off by the owner on record and a supplemental transfer form or receipt from the owner on record transferring the vehicle to you. You should consult with a tax advisor to ensure this will be acceptable for donation purposes.

How does all of this work? What’s the procedure once I agree to donate my car?

First off we will record the information about your vehicle either over the phone or online so that we can notify the appropriate towing company to retrieve it. The tow company will confirm the time to pick up the vehicle. Once the tow driver arrives he will provide you with a liability release form and receipt, collect the title and transport the car back to one of our facilities. In some cases we will make repairs to the vehicle in order to prepare it for sale, in other cases it will be taken directly to an auction and in some cases it will be put into service by the Vetmade. Within 30 days of the vehicle being sold, we will complete IRS form 1098-C and mail it to out to you if the value of the vehicle is over $500.

Do I have any liability issues?

No. When we come to pick up your vehicle you will need to complete a California Release of Liability Form, which is attached to your title. If your Release of Liability Form is missing you can complete one online using the California DMV web site.

Can I deduct my donation on my taxes?

If you itemize your taxes then you should be able to deduct the value of the vehicle. Vetmade Industries, Inc. is a 501(C)3 charity and contributions and donations to it are tax deductible. We cannot offer tax advice however and recommend that you consult the IRS web site or your tax advisor for more detailed information.
Here are some resources from the IRS that may assist you in determining a tax strategy:

What is the purpose of Vetmade?

Vetmade Industries Inc. is a 501(C)3 non-profit company that seeks out currently disabled, unemployed veterans and provides them the skills necessary to master industrial production, business practices, sales and marketing, along with other job-training skills.

Your Name (required)

Your Phone Number (required)

Zip code of Vehicle Location

Vehicle Year, Make, Model and Mileage


Vehicle Donation Program

There is no cost to you.
We will come and pick up your vehicle right from your home or office

We handle the paperwork and will provide you with the receipts you need to deduct the donation from your taxes

No need to go through the time and frustration of selling or repairing that unwanted car; get a tax write off and help our soldiers at the same time