Charitable donations
Vehicle donation appraisals
Most donated vehicles don’t need an appraisal: if the charity sells the car, your deduction is generally limited to the sale price. You need a written appraisal from a qualified appraiser when you claim more than $5,000 and your deduction isn’t limited to the sale proceeds. Autoloss prepares that appraisal.
IRS rules at a glance
When you need an appraisal
- Charity sells the vehicle: deduction generally limited to gross proceeds; no appraisal needed.
- Deduction over $500: you need the charity’s written acknowledgment (often Form 1098-C) and Form 8283, Section A.
- Deduction over $5,000, not limited to sale proceeds: a written appraisal from a qualified appraiser plus Form 8283, Section B.
- Timing: appraisal made no more than 60 days before the donation, and received before your return is due.
Source: IRS Publication 4303, A Donor’s Guide to Vehicle Donation. See also Publication 561.
What we provide
A value report you can support
An independent appraisal of the vehicle’s fair market value on the donation date, documenting condition, equipment, modifications and comparable vehicles, prepared from your photos and records.
Common questions
The charity sold my car. Do I need an appraisal?
Usually not. When the charity sells the vehicle, your deduction is generally limited to the gross proceeds shown on the acknowledgment (Form 1098-C), so the sale price, not an appraisal, sets the amount.
When is a written appraisal required?
When you claim a deduction of more than $5,000 and it is not limited to the gross sale proceeds, for example because the charity makes significant use of the vehicle, materially improves it, or gives it to a needy person as part of its charitable purpose. The appraisal must come from a qualified appraiser, be made no more than 60 days before the donation, and be received before your return is due.
What forms are involved?
The charity’s written acknowledgment (often Form 1098-C) for deductions over $500, and Form 8283: Section A for $500 to $5,000, Section B (signed by the charity) above $5,000.
Is my vehicle worth more than $5,000 to the IRS?
Fair market value is what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller, adjusted for the vehicle’s actual condition. Price guides are a starting point; an appraisal documents condition, equipment and comparable sales.
Not sure whether an appraisal will help?
The claim review is free: we look at your situation and tell you whether an appraisal is likely to help. The appraisal itself is a paid report. We help from start to finish, including a custom demand letter, and our support staff is a phone call away throughout the process.