In Louisiana, the IRS uses the pickup date as your official car-donation date. That means your vehicle must be physically picked up on or before December 31 to claim the deduction on this tax year’s return—simply calling or filling out the form before year-end is not enough. With Bayou Rides Exchange, working with Heritage for the Blind, you get free towing, Monday through Saturday, and we recommend you schedule 3–5 business days before December 31 so your slot is locked in. Non-running cars are welcome, and there’s no inspection or repairs needed.
Bayou Rides Exchange serves drivers all across Louisiana—from New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, and the Westbank, to Baton Rouge, Gonzales, and Prairieville; from Lafayette, Lake Charles, and Houma to Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, and Alexandria. Wherever you are along the bayou or in the piney woods, we’ll coordinate a fast, free pickup that works with your schedule. After your vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment (including IRS Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500). Your deduction year is locked in by the pickup date, not when the paperwork arrives. Donate your car now and turn it into vital services for people who are blind or visually impaired—while securing your Louisiana tax benefit this year.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your 2-minute donation form or call
2 minutesShare your contact info, vehicle details, and where it’s located in Louisiana—whether that’s Mid-City New Orleans, Old Jefferson in Baton Rouge, or out near Lake Charles. It takes about two minutes, and you can do it online or by phone so we can start working on your year-end pickup immediately.
Choose your pickup window before Dec 31
5 minutesOur dispatch team operates Monday–Saturday, even through the holiday season. To safely make the IRS cutoff, we recommend scheduling 3–5 business days before December 31. You’ll pick a day and time window for free towing that fits your schedule and local tow-truck availability.
Confirm your appointment and tax-year deadline
5 minutesWe’ll confirm your pickup date and remind you that the IRS donation date is the actual pickup date. If your vehicle will be picked up on or before December 31, it counts for this tax year’s deduction in Louisiana. If the next available pickup is after Dec 31, your deduction will apply to the following tax year.
Prepare your title and remove personal items
10–15 minutesBefore the tow truck arrives, clear personal belongings, remove license plates if required, and have your signed title ready if available. Our team will guide you based on Louisiana DMV rules. There’s no emissions test, inspection, or repairs needed—non-running or damaged vehicles are fine.
Free pickup and immediate deduction lock-in
15–30 minutesOn pickup day, the tow driver will complete the handoff and provide a basic pickup receipt. The moment your vehicle is loaded on the truck on or before Dec 31, your deduction year is locked in. Towing is free statewide, whether the car is in a driveway, parking lot, or shop yard.
Receive your written acknowledgment for taxes
VariesAfter Heritage for the Blind sells your vehicle, they’ll mail your official written acknowledgment. For vehicles over $500, it will include IRS Form 1098-C. Keep this with your tax records and use it when you itemize deductions on Schedule A for the year that matches your pickup date.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Pickup date = donation date
For the IRS, your car donation date is when the charity actually takes possession—the pickup date. To claim the deduction for this tax year, your car must be picked up on or before December 31, regardless of when you first called or filled out the form.
December 31 pickup means this year’s deduction
If your Louisiana vehicle is towed on December 31 or earlier, your deduction applies to this tax year’s return. A January 1 pickup or later shifts the deduction to next year, even if you scheduled or signed paperwork in December.
Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500
When Heritage for the Blind sells a donated vehicle that brings in more than $500, they issue IRS Form 1098-C. This form shows the gross sale price, which usually becomes the maximum amount you can claim as a charitable deduction for that vehicle.
You generally deduct the sale price
In most cases, the IRS limits your car-donation deduction to the amount the charity receives when your vehicle sells. That sale price—shown on Form 1098-C—goes on your return when you itemize deductions. There are some exceptions; consult your tax advisor for your specific situation.
Itemizing on Schedule A is required
To benefit from a car-donation tax deduction, you must itemize your deductions on IRS Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Keep your written acknowledgment and 1098-C with your records and share them with your tax professional when you file.