In the Pittsburgh Metro, your car must be picked up by December 31 to count for this year’s IRS tax deduction. With Steel City Wheels, our nonprofit partner Heritage for the Blind runs Monday–Saturday pickups all the way through December 31, including Christmas week. Same-day or next-day service is usually available in most metro areas for calls made before early afternoon on weekdays. To guarantee a December 31 pickup slot, contact us by December 27 with a signed title in your name.
We’re local to Pittsburgh, serving donors from Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, the North Shore, Lawrenceville, and the South Side to suburbs like Monroeville, Bethel Park, Cranberry Township, and McKeesport. Your vehicle is towed free, running or not—no inspection or repairs needed. A quick 2-minute form or phone call starts everything, and Heritage for the Blind will mail you an IRS-compliant tax receipt after your vehicle sells. If you’re staring at the calendar in November or December and want this year’s deduction, this is your window. Lock in your pickup now and turn your unused car into help for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Your year-end donation timeline
Check your title and basic vehicle info
2 minutesBefore you call or fill out the form, confirm you have a signed Pennsylvania title and basic details like the make, model, year, and general condition. The car doesn’t need to run, and it doesn’t need inspection or repairs—just be ready to verify ownership so your tax deduction is properly documented.
Start your donation with a 2-minute form or call
2 minutesFrom anywhere in the Pittsburgh Metro—Downtown, Mount Washington, Robinson, Ross, or beyond—complete our fast online form or call Steel City Wheels. We’ll capture your contact info, pickup address, and vehicle details, then immediately route your donation to Heritage for the Blind’s towing team to secure your tax-deductible gift.
Choose your pickup time before the December 31 cutoff
5 minutesA scheduling specialist will call to confirm your preferred pickup day and time. In most Pittsburgh areas, same-day or next-day pickups are often available on weekday requests made before early afternoon. To be safe, contact us by December 27–28 to lock in a December 31 slot and guarantee the deduction for this tax year.
Hand over keys, signed title, and get your initial receipt
10 minutesOn pickup day—whether you’re in Bloomfield, Greenfield, Swissvale, or Moon Township—the tow truck arrives, free of charge. You’ll sign the title to transfer ownership and hand over the keys. The driver will provide a pickup receipt acknowledging your donation for your records while Heritage for the Blind processes the vehicle sale.
Receive your IRS tax receipt after the vehicle sells
Within 30 days of saleAfter Heritage for the Blind sells your vehicle, they’ll mail you an IRS-compliant acknowledgment, often using Form 1098-C for larger deductions. This document lists the gross sale price, which usually sets your deduction amount. Keep it with your tax records so your December 31 pickup clearly qualifies for this tax year.
Claim your deduction on Schedule A at tax time
At filingWhen you file your federal return, itemize your charitable gift on Schedule A. The date that matters is your completed pickup on or before December 31. Your receipt from Heritage for the Blind supports the deduction, helping you turn a car you no longer need into a meaningful tax benefit and support for people who are blind.
Year-end tax deduction facts
December 31 is the IRS deadline
For the donation to count in this tax year, the vehicle must be transferred—picked up and accepted—by December 31. If your Pittsburgh pickup happens on January 1 or later, the deduction applies to next year’s taxes instead.
What your deduction is based on
For most vehicle donations, your federal tax deduction equals the gross sale price Heritage for the Blind receives when your car is sold. That final sale amount, shown on your tax receipt, is typically what you claim when you itemize.
Form 1098-C for larger donations
When your vehicle sells for more than a modest amount, Heritage for the Blind generally provides IRS Form 1098-C or a similar acknowledgment with all required details. Attach or retain it with your tax return to substantiate your charitable deduction.
30-day IRS receipt rule
After your donated car is sold, the charity generally has up to 30 days to send you a written acknowledgment. Keep this document; it records the sale price and confirms that Heritage for the Blind is a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Itemizing on Schedule A
To use your car donation as a federal tax deduction, you must itemize on Schedule A instead of taking only the standard deduction. Talk to a tax professional to see whether itemizing your Pittsburgh car donation benefits your specific situation.