The IRS goes by your pickup date, not the date you call. To claim your car donation on this year’s taxes, Arkansas Auto Bridge must physically pick up your vehicle on or before December 31. That means you should schedule your free tow at least 3–5 business days before year-end so we can get you on the calendar. Our partner nonprofit, Heritage for the Blind, dispatches Monday–Saturday throughout the holiday season, and you’ll receive the written acknowledgment you need for your taxes after your vehicle sells. Non-running cars are welcome—no repairs or inspection needed.
Arkansas Auto Bridge serves donors across Arkansas—from Little Rock, North Little Rock, Sherwood, and Jacksonville, to Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Hot Springs, Conway, and Pine Bluff. Whether your car is parked in Midtown Little Rock, out by West Little Rock, or in a driveway in Benton or Bryant, we’ll arrange a fast, free pickup that works with your schedule. Proceeds support Heritage for the Blind, a registered 501(c)(3) helping people who are blind or visually impaired. If you’re staring at the calendar and wondering how to make the December 31 cutoff, you’re in the right place—start now, and we’ll walk you through every step.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2‑minute form or call Arkansas Auto Bridge
2 minutesShare your Arkansas location, vehicle info, and best contact number. It takes about two minutes by phone or online. Tell us you need pickup completed by December 31 so we can prioritize a year-end slot for you.
Lock in your pickup day and time window
5–10 minutesOur team, dispatching for Heritage for the Blind, will call to confirm your pickup date and time window. We operate Monday–Saturday, even during the holiday rush. Aim to schedule 3–5 business days before December 31 to secure your preferred time.
Prepare your title and clear access to the vehicle
10–15 minutesLocate your Arkansas title, remove personal items, and make sure the tow truck can access your car—even if it doesn’t run. No emissions test, no repairs, and no detailing required. We accept non-running and damaged vehicles free of charge.
Vehicle is picked up—your deduction year is set
Pickup dayOn pickup day, sign the necessary paperwork and hand over the keys and title, if required. The IRS counts your donation on this pickup date. If we collect your car on or before December 31, it applies to this tax year.
Receive your tax acknowledgment and 1098‑C if applicable
After saleYour car is sold to benefit Heritage for the Blind. Once it sells, you receive a written acknowledgment—and IRS Form 1098‑C for vehicles over $500. The deduction belongs to the tax year of your pickup date, even if your paperwork arrives later.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Pickup date sets your tax year
The IRS treats the donation as made on the day your vehicle is actually picked up, not when you schedule or sign online. A pickup on or before December 31 counts for this tax year in Arkansas.
Form 1098‑C for vehicles over $500
If your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind issues IRS Form 1098‑C. This shows the gross sale price, which usually becomes the limit of your deductible amount for that vehicle.
Deduction usually equals sale price
In most cases, your federal deduction is based on the amount the charity receives when the vehicle is sold, not a price guide estimate. Your acknowledgment or 1098‑C will state this sale amount for your records.
You must itemize on Schedule A
To claim a car donation, you must itemize deductions on Schedule A of your federal tax return. If you take the standard deduction, you cannot add an extra deduction for the donated vehicle.
Acknowledgment can arrive after year-end
Your written acknowledgment and Form 1098‑C may arrive weeks after the vehicle sells. That’s okay—the important part for the IRS is that the pickup date was on or before December 31 for this tax year.