Donate your car by Dec 31 for this year’s NH tax break

In New Hampshire, the IRS counts your car donation on the day it’s picked up, not when you call. Schedule free pickup with WheelWise by December 31 to lock in this year’s tax deduction.

In New Hampshire, your car donation only counts for this tax year if it’s physically picked up on or before December 31. The IRS uses the pickup date as the official donation date—not the day you schedule, sign online, or mail your title. With WheelWise and Heritage for the Blind, you can complete our 2‑minute form or quick phone call, then our team arranges free towing Monday–Saturday to get your vehicle picked up before year‑end whenever possible. To be safe, we recommend you schedule at least 3–5 business days before December 31 so you don’t miss this year’s deduction.

WheelWise proudly serves donors throughout New Hampshire—from Manchester, Nashua, and Concord to Portsmouth, Dover, Keene, Laconia, and the Lakes Region. We pick up in the Seacoast, the Upper Valley, the Merrimack Valley, the Monadnock Region, and many rural areas, often right from your driveway in places like Bedford, Goffstown, Salem, Rochester, and Derry. Your non‑running car, truck, SUV, or van is welcome—no inspections or repairs needed. Proceeds from your donated vehicle support Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) helping people who are blind or visually impaired. Donate locally, meet the IRS deadline, and help a meaningful cause all at once.

Your year-end donation timeline

1

Start your donation in under 2 minutes

2 minutes

Complete the fast online form or call WheelWise with your New Hampshire vehicle details and contact info. Have your title handy if possible. This doesn’t set the IRS date yet, but it gets your pickup into the system before year‑end.

2

Choose your preferred pickup window

5 minutes

Our team contacts you to schedule a free tow, Monday–Saturday, in most New Hampshire areas. To qualify for this tax year, request a pickup date on or before December 31 and avoid last‑minute slots by calling 3–5 business days ahead.

3

Prepare the vehicle for tow day

10-15 minutes

Remove personal items, take off your E-ZPass/parking tags, and clear the glove box. In most of New Hampshire, you can leave the keys and signed title for the tow driver if you can’t be there. Non‑running vehicles are fine—just make sure we can access it.

4

Vehicle is picked up – your IRS date is locked

15-30 minutes

On pickup day, the tow driver completes the paperwork and attaches the vehicle. The pickup date is your official IRS donation date. As long as your car is removed on or before December 31, it counts for that tax year’s deduction.

5

Receive your tax acknowledgment by mail

Varies after sale

After your vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind mails your written acknowledgment (and IRS Form 1098‑C if your deduction is over $500). Even if the letter arrives later, your deduction year is the year the vehicle was picked up in New Hampshire.

Year-end tax deduction facts

IRS uses pickup date, not scheduling date

For vehicles, the IRS counts the donation on the date your car is actually picked up, not when you submit the form or call. To claim this tax year, your New Hampshire pickup must occur on or before December 31.

Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500

If your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098‑C. This shows the gross sale price, which is usually the maximum amount you can claim as a charitable deduction.

Deduction usually equals sale price

In most cases, the deductible amount for a car donation is the price Heritage for the Blind receives when your vehicle is sold. This sale amount will appear on your acknowledgment letter and, if applicable, on Form 1098‑C.

Written acknowledgment typically within 30 days of sale

The IRS requires that your charity send a written acknowledgment within 30 days of the vehicle’s sale. WheelWise and Heritage for the Blind mail this to you after your car sells, but the deduction year is based on the earlier pickup date.

You must itemize on Schedule A

To use your car donation as a tax deduction, you need to itemize deductions on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Always confirm with a tax professional whether itemizing makes sense for your situation.

FAQ

If my car is picked up after December 31, can I still deduct it for this year?
No. For vehicle donations, the IRS uses the date of physical pickup as the donation date. If your car is towed on January 2, it counts for next year’s taxes, even if you called or completed the online form in December. Schedule 3–5 business days before December 31 to protect your timing.
What’s the latest I should contact WheelWise in New Hampshire before year-end?
To give us enough time to arrange free towing in New Hampshire, we recommend reaching out at least 3–5 business days before December 31. We often can help closer to year‑end, but slots fill quickly in places like Manchester, Nashua, and Portsmouth, especially around holidays and winter storms.
Can I donate a non-running car or one without inspection in New Hampshire?
Yes. WheelWise accepts most vehicles in almost any condition—non‑running, failed inspection, or sitting for years. You don’t need to make repairs or get a current state inspection. As long as a tow truck can access the vehicle, we can usually pick it up free in most New Hampshire locations.
When will I receive my tax receipt or Form 1098-C?
Your official acknowledgment is mailed after Heritage for the Blind sells your vehicle. If it sells for more than $500, you’ll receive Form 1098‑C. This may arrive weeks or months after pickup, but your deduction year is still the year the vehicle was picked up, as long as it was on or before December 31.
How much can I deduct for my New Hampshire car donation?
In many cases, you can deduct the gross sale price Heritage for the Blind receives when your car is sold. That amount appears on your acknowledgment (and Form 1098‑C if applicable). Tax rules can be complex, so consult your tax advisor to confirm how much you may deduct based on your return.
Do I need to be home when my car is picked up?
Not always. In many New Hampshire pickups, you can leave the title and keys in a secure agreed-upon spot for the tow driver, as long as the paperwork is signed correctly. When we schedule your pickup, we’ll explain what’s required in your specific town and coordinate a process that works for you.
Is WheelWise working around the holidays and winter weather?
Yes. Our towing partners and Heritage for the Blind operate Monday–Saturday throughout the holiday season in most New Hampshire areas. Severe winter weather can affect exact timing, so calling early—especially in December—helps ensure we can safely pick up your vehicle by December 31 when possible.

Related donation guides

December Deadline
December car donation deadline →
Year-End Tax Deduction
Year-end car donation tax deduction →
Before December 31
Donate your car before December 31 →
Lock in this year’s tax deduction before the clock runs out. In New Hampshire, your car must be picked up on or before December 31 to count for this tax year. Start WheelWise’s simple 2‑minute form or call now to grab one of the remaining pickup slots. Your vehicle—running or not—is towed free, and you’ll receive a written tax acknowledgment (and Form 1098‑C for donations over $500) from Heritage for the Blind, a trusted 501(c)(3). Act today to beat the deadline and make your car count for good.

Related pages

December Deadline
December car donation deadline →
Year-End Tax Deduction
Year-end car donation tax deduction →
Before December 31
Donate your car before December 31 →

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