If your vehicle is picked up on or before December 31 in the Stockton area, the IRS counts your car donation for this tax year—even if the car sells later. With Delta Ride Exchange and Heritage for the Blind (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit), you can start in about two minutes online or by phone, lock in your year-end tax deduction with a confirmed pickup date, and let us handle the rest: free tow, sale, and your tax paperwork.
We serve donors across Stockton Metro—from Lincoln Village, Brookside, and Spanos Park to Weston Ranch, Morada, and Lathrop. Your car does not need to run, pass inspection, or have current registration. We arrange a licensed tow truck at your home, work, or storage lot, usually same-day or next business day. Proceeds support services for people who are blind or visually impaired through Heritage for the Blind. You get a simple, local, year-end solution; they get critical support. Start now before December slots fill up.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2-minute form or call Delta Ride Exchange
About 2 minutesProvide your contact info, basic vehicle details, and where in Stockton Metro the car is located—whether it’s in downtown Stockton, Brookside, or out by Lodi or Manteca. You can also call to start. Once you submit, your request is instantly sent to a local donation coordinator.
Get a fast call-back to schedule your free pickup
Within 1–2 business hours on weekdaysA coordinator for Heritage for the Blind calls you back, usually within 1–2 business hours on weekdays, to confirm your details and set your free tow time. This is when you choose a pickup on or before December 31 to lock in this year’s deduction.
Free, licensed tow truck arrives at your Stockton address
Same-day or next business day in most metro areasA licensed towing partner comes to the address you provided in Stockton, Lathrop, French Camp, or nearby. Most Stockton Metro donors can get same-day or next-business-day pickup, including many evening and Saturday slots—especially important as December 31 approaches.
Sign your title at pickup to complete the donation
5–10 minutes at the curbAt pickup, you hand over the keys (if you have them) and sign the title to transfer ownership to the charity’s authorized agent. The tower will walk you through where to sign for California. Once the vehicle is loaded, your IRS donation date is the pickup date.
Vehicle sale and your tax receipt mailed to you
Receipt within 30 days of saleYour car is transported, processed, and sold. Heritage for the Blind mails you a written acknowledgment or IRS Form 1098-C within 30 days of the sale. You use this document, plus Schedule A, to claim your charitable deduction for this tax year.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 pickup = this year’s donation date
For vehicle donations, the IRS uses the date your car is picked up, not the date it’s sold. As long as the licensed tow truck collects your vehicle on or before December 31, the deduction applies to this tax year.
You receive IRS Form 1098-C or a written receipt
After your donated car is sold, Heritage for the Blind sends you Form 1098-C or a written acknowledgment within 30 days of the sale. Keep this with your tax records to document your charitable contribution to a qualified 501(c)(3).
Deduction usually equals the vehicle’s sale price
In most cases, the IRS limits your deduction to the gross proceeds from the sale of your vehicle. The sale amount will appear on your Form 1098-C or acknowledgment letter, which you use when you file your itemized return.
Claiming your deduction on Schedule A
To use your car donation for tax savings, you must itemize deductions on Schedule A of your federal return. Attach or retain Form 1098-C or your written acknowledgment as required, especially for larger-value vehicle donations.
30-day documentation rule
The charity must mail your Form 1098-C or written acknowledgment within 30 days after the vehicle is sold. This timing doesn’t affect which tax year you claim—your deduction year is tied to the pickup date, not when you receive the form.