In Pittsburgh, your car donation only counts for this tax year if the vehicle is physically picked up on or before December 31. The IRS uses the pickup date as your donation date—not the day you schedule. That means if you want a deduction on this year’s taxes, you must lock in a pickup slot and have your car towed away by December 31. With Steel City Wheels, powered by Heritage for the Blind, most donors can secure a date in minutes and enjoy free towing Monday–Saturday, even during the holiday rush.
We serve the entire Pittsburgh Metro—from Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, Oakland, and the North Side to suburbs like Mt. Lebanon, Bethel Park, Monroeville, Cranberry, and beyond. Your car doesn’t need to run and you don’t need to handle repairs or inspection. Just complete our fast online form or call, and our team will work to schedule pickup within 3–5 business days before year-end. After your vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind will mail the written acknowledgment you need for your records (including IRS Form 1098-C when required), but your deduction year is locked in based on the actual December 31 or earlier pickup.
Your year-end donation timeline
Check your calendar and the IRS deadline
2 minutesDecide if you want your deduction for this tax year. The IRS counts the donation on the day your vehicle is picked up, not when you call. In Pittsburgh, that means your car must be towed away on or before December 31 for this year’s taxes.
Start the Steel City Wheels online form or call
2 minutesEnter your contact info, basic vehicle details, and location in the Pittsburgh Metro—whether you’re in Lawrenceville, Dormont, Robinson, or Penn Hills. It takes about two minutes. Or call to speak with a live representative and request a year-end pickup slot.
Choose a pickup window before December 31
5 minutesWe recommend scheduling 3–5 business days before December 31 to avoid holiday crunch. Dispatch runs Monday–Saturday. You’ll confirm the date, time window, and address so Heritage for the Blind’s towing partner can reach you on schedule anywhere in Greater Pittsburgh.
Prepare your keys and title for pickup
10 minutesRemove personal items, gather your title, and have the keys ready. In most cases, you sign the title at pickup. Your car does not need to run, and no inspection or repairs are required. Towing is free across the Pittsburgh Metro and surrounding communities.
Complete pickup and lock in this year’s deduction
15–30 minutesWhen the tow truck arrives and takes your vehicle on or before December 31, that date becomes your official IRS donation date. You’ll receive a preliminary receipt at pickup, and your deduction year is now fixed as this tax year, even though the sale happens later.
Receive your written acknowledgment and file taxes
OngoingAfter your car is sold, Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment and IRS Form 1098-C if your vehicle is valued over $500. Keep these with your records and claim the deduction when you file using Schedule A for this tax year.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 pickup sets your deduction year
For the IRS, the contribution date is when Heritage for the Blind actually picks up your vehicle. If the tow happens on or before December 31, it generally counts as a donation for that tax year—even if the sale and paperwork happen later.
Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500
If your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind will send you IRS Form 1098-C. This shows the gross proceeds from the sale and is used to support the deduction you claim on your federal income tax return.
Deduction usually equals the sale price
In most cases, your allowable deduction is the amount the charity receives from selling your vehicle, not a price guide estimate. This sale amount appears on your acknowledgment or Form 1098-C and is the figure you use when you itemize deductions.
You must itemize on Schedule A
To claim a vehicle donation, you generally need to itemize deductions on IRS Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Talk with your tax advisor to see which approach benefits you most given your overall tax situation.
Written acknowledgment within about 30 days of sale
Heritage for the Blind sends a written acknowledgment, often within about 30 days after your vehicle is sold. Even if that arrives in the new year, your deduction year is based on the pickup date, not the date the acknowledgment is mailed.