donate car to charity

Thinking of donating your car to charity? It's a grand gesture, but don't expect it to be a tax-free joyride. In Australia, donating a car can get you a tax deduction worth about 33% of the car's market value—provided the charity is registered and issues a receipt. The car is usually sold by the charity, so the actual cash benefit to the charity varies. Common gotchas include ensuring your car is roadworthy and understanding that some charities accept only certain types or ages of vehicles.

• Get a receipt from a registered charity to claim deductions.
• Vehicle must usually be in decent condition.
• Check if the charity handles pickup and paperwork.

For a smoother ride, check out Tradingpost or CarShowroom for vehicles if you decide to sell instead.