In Missouri, the IRS locks in your car donation deduction on the date your vehicle is physically picked up — not the day you schedule. That means your car must be towed or driven away on or before December 31 to claim the deduction on this year’s taxes. With Revive Ride, benefiting Heritage for the Blind, most donors should book pickup 3–5 business days before year-end so we can get your vehicle before the cutoff. We operate Monday through Saturday during the holiday season, and pickup is always free, even if the car won’t start.
Whether you’re in St. Louis (Clayton, Florissant, South County), Kansas City (Lee’s Summit, Independence, Northland), Springfield, Columbia, Jefferson City, or smaller communities across Missouri, Revive Ride makes year-end car donation fast. Our secure online form takes about two minutes, or you can call to schedule. You’ll receive a same-day confirmation for your pickup window. After your vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment and IRS Form 1098-C for qualifying donations over $500 — but your deduction year is locked in based on the actual pickup date. Donate your car before December 31 and support vital services for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your 2-minute Missouri donation form or call
2 minutesShare your contact info, vehicle details, and where it’s located in Missouri — from St. Charles to Blue Springs to Branson. It takes about two minutes, and you can do it online or by phone, even during the busy holiday season.
Choose a pickup window before December 31
5 minutesTell us your ideal days and times. To safely beat the IRS deadline, schedule at least 3–5 business days before December 31. Our team runs Monday–Saturday in most Missouri areas to secure a pickup slot that works for you.
Confirm your tax-year–locking pickup date
5 minutesOur towing partner confirms your pickup date and approximate time. The IRS counts this physical pickup date as your donation date, so as long as we remove the vehicle on or before December 31, it applies to this tax year.
Hand over keys and title at pickup (or arrange alternatives)
10 minutesOn pickup day, sign the title and provide keys if you have them. Non-running or damaged cars are fine — no repairs or inspections needed. Our driver tows your vehicle at no cost anywhere in Missouri and leaves a preliminary receipt.
Receive your final receipt and any IRS Form 1098-C
VariesAfter your car sells, Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment, and IRS Form 1098-C if the sale is over $500. This paperwork documents your deduction, but the tax year is already set by your December 31 (or earlier) pickup.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Donation date = pickup date
For IRS purposes, your Missouri car donation is dated when the vehicle is physically picked up, not when you submit the form or call. A pickup on or before December 31 counts for the current tax year.
Form 1098-C for cars over $500
If your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind will send IRS Form 1098-C. This form shows the gross sale price, which is usually the maximum deduction you can claim when you itemize.
You must itemize on Schedule A
To claim a car donation, you generally need to itemize deductions using Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Speak with your tax advisor to confirm what provides the best result for your situation.
30-day written acknowledgment rule
Heritage for the Blind sends your written acknowledgment, and when applicable Form 1098-C, within IRS timeframes after the vehicle sells. Even if that arrives next year, the valid deduction year remains your pickup year.
December 31 equals this tax year
As long as Revive Ride’s tow truck removes your car on or before December 31 in Missouri, your donation applies to this tax year. A pickup on January 1 or later counts for the following tax year, even if you called in December.