In Melbourne, Florida, the hard IRS deadline for this year’s car donation tax deduction is December 31. For your donation to count for this tax year, Coastal Wheels must have your vehicle picked up on or before December 31—scheduling alone is not enough. We run Monday–Saturday pickups right through Christmas week, with same-day or next-business-day towing in most metro areas when you contact us before early afternoon. To guarantee a December 31 pickup window, call or submit our 2‑minute form by December 27–28, and have your signed title ready.
Coastal Wheels proudly serves the entire Space Coast, including Melbourne, West Melbourne, Palm Bay, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, and Suntree–Viera. Your vehicle is towed free of charge, whether it’s running, wrecked, or missing a key component—no inspection or repairs needed. Proceeds from your donated vehicle support Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) providing services to people who are blind or visually impaired. Once your car is sold, you’ll receive a proper IRS tax receipt for your records. If you’re in Melbourne and ready to clear your driveway and lock in this year’s deduction, now is the moment to schedule your December pickup.
Your year-end donation timeline
1. Start your 2-minute donation in Melbourne
2 minutesCall Coastal Wheels or complete the quick online form in about two minutes. We’ll collect basic details about your vehicle and where it’s located in the Melbourne or greater Space Coast area, then immediately look at year‑end pickup options.
2. Lock in your pre–Dec 31 pickup date
2 minutesOur scheduling team confirms a pickup day and time window, including Christmas week, Monday–Saturday. Call by December 27–28 to secure a December 31 slot; earlier calls give you more choice in times across Melbourne and nearby communities.
3. Prepare your signed Florida title
2 minutesTo make your donation count for this tax year, the vehicle must be picked up by December 31 and the title signed over at or before pickup. We’ll walk you through exactly where to sign your Florida title so the process is smooth and compliant.
4. Free towing anywhere in Space Coast area
30–60 minutesOn pickup day, the tow driver meets you at your Melbourne home, workplace, or storage lot. Non‑running, damaged, or old vehicles are all welcome. There’s never a towing charge—pickup is free regardless of condition or location within our service area.
5. Receive your IRS-ready tax receipt
Within 30 daysAfter Heritage for the Blind sells your vehicle, you’ll receive a written tax receipt. For higher‑value donations, this includes the gross sale price for IRS Form 1098‑C and Schedule A, helping you properly claim your charitable deduction for this tax year.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 controls which tax year you claim
For car donations, the IRS looks at the date your vehicle is actually transferred—practically, that means pickup and title handoff. If pickup is completed by December 31, you may generally claim the deduction on this year’s return.
Form 1098-C for larger vehicle deductions
When a donated vehicle is sold by the charity, they issue IRS Form 1098‑C (or a similar written acknowledgment) showing the sale price. This form supports your deduction when you itemize on Schedule A for qualifying higher‑value donations.
Deduction usually equals the charity’s sale price
In most cases, your deduction is based on the amount Heritage for the Blind receives when the vehicle is sold, not on an estimated Blue Book value. Your receipt will state this amount so you can document your deduction accurately.
30-day written acknowledgment requirement
For many vehicle donations, the charity must send a written acknowledgment within 30 days of the sale or contribution. Your Coastal Wheels / Heritage for the Blind receipt is designed to meet IRS documentation rules for claiming your deduction.
Itemizing on Schedule A is required
To benefit from a charitable vehicle deduction, you must itemize deductions on IRS Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Your acknowledgment or Form 1098‑C provides the key information needed if you choose to itemize.