Making a car donation in memory of a loved one is a heartfelt way to commemorate their life, especially if they cherished their vehicle. You can honor their memory by donating their car to MotorCity Wheels, helping local Detroit families while also receiving a tax deduction. Our team is here to support you through this process.
However, it's essential to ensure that the vehicle is in your name for the donation to proceed smoothly. Once the donation is made, we will send a tribute card to the family, recognizing your loving gesture and honoring the memory of your loved one. You’ll also receive an IRS receipt for your records.
How to make it happen
Confirm Vehicle Eligibility
Ensure that the title of the car is currently in your name. If the vehicle is still titled in the deceased's name, consult with legal advisors on estate procedures before proceeding.
Complete the Donation Form
Fill out our online donation form, indicating that the vehicle is a tribute donation. You'll have the option to name the loved one you are honoring, which will be recorded in our system.
Schedule Pick-Up or Drop-Off
Arrange for a convenient pick-up of the vehicle, or you can choose to drop it off at our Detroit location. Ensure all personal items are removed beforehand.
Receive Acknowledgment
After the donation, we’ll send a tribute card to the family of the loved one you honored. You will also receive an IRS receipt for your generous donation, enabling potential tax benefits.
Common gotchas
Title Issues
Tip: If the vehicle’s title is still in the name of the deceased, you’ll need to address estate matters before donating. Consult an estate attorney for guidance.
Tax Receipt Ownership
Tip: Only the current vehicle owner will receive the IRS tax receipt. Make sure the title is in your name to benefit from the deduction.
Tribute Card Process
Tip: Ensure you provide accurate contact information for the family to ensure they receive the tribute card honoring their loved one.
If this path doesn't fit
If donating the vehicle directly isn’t feasible due to title or estate issues, consider discussing the matter with family members or an estate attorney. They may suggest other ways to honor your loved one’s memory, such as organizing a memorial event or contributing to a charity that aligns with their passions.
Detroit DMV specifics
In Michigan, the DMV requires that any vehicle being donated has a clear title in the current owner's name. If there are liens on the vehicle, be sure to address this with your lienholder. You may also need to surrender your license plates when donating, so check the DMV’s requirements for a smooth donation process.