In Alaska, December 31 is the firm IRS deadline for car donations to count for this tax year. Your vehicle must be picked up and signed over by December 31, not just "scheduled." Alaska Wheels Forward, benefiting Heritage for the Blind (a 501(c)(3)), runs free towing Monday through Saturday all the way through December 31, including Christmas week. In most metro areas we can often pick up same-day or next business day when you call before early afternoon. To virtually guarantee a December 31 pickup slot, contact us by December 27–28 with a signed title ready.
We know year-end in Alaska is hectic—short days, icy roads, and holiday travel from Anchorage and Eagle River to Fairbanks, North Pole, Wasilla, Palmer, Kenai, Soldotna, Juneau, and beyond. That’s why our process is built for speed and simplicity. One 2-minute call or online form starts everything. We’ll arrange a free tow anywhere in Alaska, whether your car runs, is damaged, or has been sitting all winter. You get a tax receipt and your old vehicle helps support services for people who are blind or visually impaired. If you’re searching now, don’t wait—lock in your pickup today while end-of-year slots are still open.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesCall Alaska Wheels Forward or complete our quick online form with your contact details, Alaska pickup location, and basic vehicle info. It truly takes about two minutes. Have your title nearby so we can confirm ownership and begin scheduling right away for a year-end pickup.
Confirm your pickup date and deadline
5 minutesOur team checks holiday-week availability in your area—Anchorage, Fairbanks, Mat-Su, Kenai Peninsula, Juneau, and more. We’ll offer the first open slot, often same-day or next-day on weekday calls before early afternoon. Call by December 27–28 to secure a December 31 time for this tax year.
Prepare your signed Alaska title
10–15 minutesBefore the tow truck arrives, sign your Alaska vehicle title exactly as instructed by our team. No emissions test, no repairs, and no detailing needed. The car can be non-running, wrecked, or missing registration—as long as you have a proper signed title ready at pickup.
Free tow anywhere in Alaska
30–60 minutes at pickupOn your scheduled day—Monday through Saturday, even Christmas week—the driver meets you at home, work, or a storage lot. From Anchorage and Eagle River to Wasilla, Kenai, Juneau, and beyond, towing is always free. You hand over the keys and title; we handle the rest.
Receive your tax receipt and lock in deduction
Within weeks after saleAfter your vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind mails you a written tax receipt, generally within 30 days of the sale. For eligible donations, you’ll use this receipt and IRS Form 1098-C with your return to claim your deduction for this tax year, as long as pickup was by December 31.
Year-end tax deduction facts
December 31 = this year’s deduction
For IRS purposes, your car donation counts in the year the charity takes possession. That means your vehicle must be picked up and signed over to Heritage for the Blind by December 31 to qualify for this tax year’s deduction.
Form 1098-C for larger donations
When your donated vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind issues a written acknowledgment. For qualifying donations, this includes the details needed for IRS Form 1098-C, which you attach to your tax return to substantiate the value of your vehicle deduction.
Deduction is based on sale price
In most cases, the IRS lets you deduct the actual gross sale price of your donated vehicle, not a guess at its market value. Once your car sells, your receipt will show the sale amount you may use when you itemize deductions on Schedule A.
30-day acknowledgment after sale
After the vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind generally sends your written acknowledgment within about 30 days of the sale. Keep this with your tax records. It documents the donation date, sale price, and the charity’s 501(c)(3) status for the IRS.
Itemizing on Schedule A
To benefit from a vehicle donation, you usually must itemize deductions using Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Consult your tax adviser to see whether itemizing with your car donation and other deductions is advantageous for your situation.