Donating your car to charity is a generous act, but it’s natural to feel uncertain about where your vehicle ends up and how it benefits others. At Desert Wheels, we believe that transparency is vital in building trust with our donors. This page will guide you through the entire process, from the moment your car is picked up to when you receive your tax receipt.
We’re committed to ensuring that every donor understands exactly how their contributions make a meaningful impact. By outlining each step in our process, we hope to alleviate any concerns you may have about donating your vehicle. Trust is the foundation of our relationship with donors, and we strive to uphold that through clarity and accountability.
✓Key facts you can verify
- Desert Wheels is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity.
- All vehicle donations are handled according to IRS guidelines.
- Donors can verify our status using the IRS pub78 lookup tool.
- Proceeds from auctioned vehicles benefit transportation assistance programs.
- Donors receive a Form 1098-C, which allows tax deductions based on the actual sale price.
- We are listed and rated by Charity Navigator and Better Business Bureau.
- Arizona charities are overseen by the Attorney General's office.
How it works, step by step
Pickup
On day 0, your vehicle is picked up at a location of your choosing. Our team ensures that the vehicle is collected safely and efficiently, ready for the next steps in the donation process.
Transport to Auction Lot
From day 0 to day 5, your car is transported to our secure auction lot. During this time, we assess the vehicle's condition and prepare it for evaluation. Proper handling is a top priority.
Inspection + Title Verification
Between days 3 and 10, our team inspects the vehicle and verifies the title. This ensures that the car can be sold legally and that there are no outstanding liens, safeguarding the donor’s interests.
Auction Listing
From days 7 to 21, we list your vehicle for auction. We engage with reputable auction houses to maximize visibility and ensure the highest potential sale price, benefiting both the charity and the donor.
Sale
The sale process typically occurs between days 14 and 45. Once sold, you can rest assured that the proceeds will directly support our mission of providing transportation assistance to those in need.
Proceeds Distribution
From days 30 to 60, we distribute proceeds from the sale to fund our programs. This step is crucial in ensuring that donor contributions are effectively utilized to help those we serve.
1098-C Receipt Mailed
Within 30 days of the sale, we mail your IRS Form 1098-C receipt. This form confirms your donation amount and can be filed with your tax return, ensuring compliance with IRS regulations.
Verify it yourself
✓ Verify our IRS Status
How: Use the IRS pub78 lookup tool to confirm Desert Wheels' status as a 501(c)(3) charity. This public database ensures that your donation is tax-deductible.
✓ Check Charity Ratings
How: Review our ratings on Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau. These platforms offer independent evaluations of our financial health and transparency.
✓ View Form 990
How: Annual financial statements are available through GuideStar. You can access our Form 990 to review our financial activities and ensure responsible use of funds.
✓ Confirm Registration with the State
How: Visit the Arizona Attorney General's website to verify our charity registration. This ensures we are compliant with local regulations governing charitable organizations.
Real impact, real numbers
When you donate your vehicle to Desert Wheels, you are directly contributing to our mission of providing transportation assistance across Arizona. Last year, we successfully aided over 500 individuals in need, helping them access job opportunities, medical appointments, and essential services. Your donation leads to real outcomes: each vehicle sold at auction can provide hundreds of dollars in funding, supporting our programs that change lives and promote independence.
Arizona oversight
In Arizona, all charities must register with the state and adhere to regulations set by the Attorney General. If you have concerns about charitable organizations, you can submit a complaint through this office. Additionally, local consumer protection resources are available to help you make informed decisions when donating your vehicle. Desert Wheels is committed to upholding these standards and serving our community transparently.