Donate Your Car Before December 31 in Louisiana — Free Tow, Dec 31 Pickup Available

Need a clear answer? In Louisiana, your IRS car-donation date is the day your vehicle is picked up—not the day you fill out the form. When you donate through Bayou Rides Exchange benefitting Heritage for the Blind, a free licensed tow truck comes to you. If we physically pick up your car, truck, SUV, or boat on or before December 31, you can claim the deduction for this tax year (subject to IRS rules). Your two-minute form or phone call today is what gets that pickup on the calendar.

Bayou Rides Exchange serves donors all across Louisiana—from New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, and the Westbank, to Baton Rouge, Prairieville, Denham Springs, and Gonzales, plus Lafayette, Lake Charles, Shreveport, Bossier City, and Monroe. Non-running vehicle in Gentilly? No recent inspection in Mid-City? Title issues in Algiers or Central? We help you move fast, with Monday–Saturday dispatch in most metro areas and free towing statewide. Proceeds support Heritage for the Blind (a 501(c)(3), EIN 58-2164446), providing services for people who are blind or visually impaired. If you’re ready to donate, follow the steps below and lock in your year-end tax benefit.

Your year-end donation timeline

Start the 2-minute form or call Bayou Rides Exchange

2 minutes

Submit our simple online form or call Bayou Rides Exchange benefitting Heritage for the Blind with your contact info, vehicle location, and basic details. It takes about two minutes and is the only thing you need to do right now to get in the year-end pickup queue for your Louisiana address.

Get a quick scheduling call from our coordinator

Within 1–2 business hours (weekdays)

On weekdays, a local coordinator calls you back within 1–2 business hours to confirm your information and schedule your free tow. We’ll work with your schedule and clearly aim for a pickup by December 31 if you’re calling during year-end in Louisiana.

Free tow truck pickup at your Louisiana address

Same day or next business day in most metros

A licensed, insured tow truck comes to your home, office, or storage lot—often the same day or next business day in metro areas like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Shreveport, and Lake Charles. Non-running, unregistered, or failed-inspection vehicles are welcome. The physical pickup date is what the IRS uses as your donation date.

Sign the title at pickup and keep your receipt

5–10 minutes at the truck

At pickup, you sign the title over to complete the donation. The driver gives you a pickup receipt or written acknowledgment. Once your vehicle is on the truck by December 31, your donation for IRS purposes is locked into this tax year, even if the sale happens later.

We sell the vehicle and mail your tax paperwork

Receipt within 30 days of sale

Your car is transported, processed, and sold. Heritage for the Blind mails you IRS Form 1098-C or a written acknowledgment within 30 days of the sale. That document shows the gross sale price or other allowable amount to support the deduction on your federal return.

Year-end tax deduction facts

Pickup date controls this year’s deduction

For IRS purposes, your donation date is when you legally transfer the vehicle—usually the pickup/title-signing date. If the tow truck picks up your vehicle and you sign the title by December 31, you’re positioned to deduct it on this tax year’s return (subject to IRS rules).

Form 1098-C documents your car donation

After your vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind sends IRS Form 1098-C or a written acknowledgment within 30 days of the sale. This shows the vehicle details and sale price or other qualifying value, and you use it as backup for your charitable deduction.

Deduction usually equals the gross sale price

In most cases, the IRS limits your deduction to the charity’s gross sale price for the vehicle, as reported on Form 1098-C. There are narrow exceptions (like significant use or material improvements) that would be noted on the form if they apply to your donation.

Itemizing on Schedule A is required

To claim a car-donation deduction, you typically must itemize your deductions on Schedule A of your federal Form 1040 instead of taking the standard deduction. A tax professional can help you decide which option gives you the better overall tax outcome.

30-day written acknowledgment rule

For vehicles valued over IRS thresholds, you need a timely written acknowledgment, like Form 1098-C, from Heritage for the Blind. By law, it’s issued within 30 days of the sale, and you should keep it with your records when you file your Louisiana and federal returns.

FAQ

If my car is picked up on December 31 in Louisiana, is it definitely a deduction for this tax year?

Under IRS rules, the donation date is when you transfer ownership—typically the pickup/title-signing date. If your car is physically picked up and you sign the title on or before December 31, your donation is generally treated as made in this tax year. Always confirm your specific situation with a tax professional when you file.

What if I submit the form in December but the tow can’t come until January?

Filling out the form in December gets you into the queue, but the IRS looks at when you actually transfer the vehicle. If pickup and title transfer happen in January, the donation is generally for the new tax year. That’s why we urge you to start now—so we can secure a December 31 or earlier slot wherever possible in Louisiana.

Does my car need to run, pass inspection, or have current registration?

No. We accept most vehicles whether they run or not, even if they’ve failed inspection or the registration is expired. As long as you’re the legal owner and can sign the title, our tow partners can usually handle the rest. This is common for older cars in places like New Orleans East, Baker, Marrero, or Slidell.

How quickly can you pick up in Louisiana at year-end?

In many Louisiana metro areas—New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Shreveport, Lake Charles—we can often arrange same-day or next-business-day pickups, Monday through Saturday. Rural pickups may take slightly longer. During December, spots fill up fast, so the sooner you submit the form or call, the better chance we have to get there before December 31.

When and how do I get my tax receipt or Form 1098-C?

After your vehicle is picked up, it’s processed and sold. Heritage for the Blind then mails you Form 1098-C or a written acknowledgment within 30 days of the sale. Keep this document with your records; it shows the sale price or qualifying value that supports your charitable deduction when you file your federal return.

Can I still donate if I owe money on the car or lost my title?

Each situation is different. If there’s an active lien, we’ll talk through options—many charities can only accept fully paid-off vehicles. If you’ve simply misplaced your title, Louisiana often allows you to request a replacement. Our coordinator can explain what’s needed for your parish and help you understand next steps before scheduling pickup.

Is Heritage for the Blind a real charity, and how is my donation used?

Yes. Heritage for the Blind is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 58-2164446). Proceeds from your vehicle support programs and services for people who are blind or visually impaired. While the car is donated through Bayou Rides Exchange’s program, your tax-deductible gift ultimately benefits Heritage for the Blind’s mission.

Related donation guides

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December Deadline

December car donation deadline →

Year-End Tax Deduction