Here’s the bottom line for Boston car donations: to claim a tax deduction for this year, the IRS requires your vehicle donation to be completed by December 31. With Revive Rides, that means your car must be picked up no later than Dec 31—not just scheduled. Our partner charity, Heritage for the Blind (a 501(c)(3)), runs pickups Monday through Saturday all year, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s. In most Greater Boston areas, calling before early afternoon on a weekday means same-day or next-business-day towing, free of charge, for almost any vehicle condition.
To guarantee a December 31 pickup slot around Boston, we strongly recommend you start your donation by December 27–28. You’ll complete a quick 2-minute form or call, have your signed Massachusetts title ready, and we’ll handle the rest. We tow free across Greater Boston—from Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, and South Boston to Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Quincy, Medford, and beyond. No inspection, emissions, or repairs needed; non-running cars, trucks, and SUVs are welcome. Donate now, clear your driveway, support services for people who are blind or visually impaired, and lock in your tax deduction for this year before the December 31 cutoff.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesComplete Revive Rides’ quick online form or call our Greater Boston donation line. Share basic contact details, vehicle location, and condition. It truly takes about two minutes, and you can do it from anywhere in Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, or the suburbs.
Confirm title and pickup details
5 minutesHave your signed Massachusetts title ready and confirm where the vehicle will be—South End street parking, a garage in Brookline, a driveway in Quincy, or a lot in Everett. We’ll schedule your tow window and lock in a target pickup before December 31.
Fast towing, even Christmas week
Same or next day in most areasOur towing partners operate Monday–Saturday throughout Greater Boston, including Christmas week. When you contact us by Dec 27–28, we can reliably secure a pre–Dec 31 pickup slot, often same-day or next-day for calls made before early afternoon on weekdays.
Free pickup, keys and handoff
15–30 minutesOn pickup day, the driver meets you (or follows your instructions for a key drop), verifies the title, and loads your vehicle—running or not. There’s zero cost for towing anywhere in Greater Boston, and your donation is officially completed once we take possession.
Tax receipt and deduction locked in
Within about 30 days after saleHeritage for the Blind will mail you a written acknowledgment and, if required, IRS Form 1098-C after the vehicle is sold. Because pickup was completed by December 31, your donation counts for this tax year when you file and itemize deductions.
Year-end tax deduction facts
December 31 is the hard IRS cutoff
To claim your car donation on this year’s taxes, the IRS requires the donation to be completed by December 31. With Revive Rides, that means the vehicle must be picked up—so call by Dec 27 to safely secure a Dec 31 or earlier tow.
You’ll receive IRS Form 1098-C when needed
For vehicle donations where the claimed value is above the IRS threshold, Heritage for the Blind issues Form 1098-C. This form shows the gross sale price and confirms your donation so you can properly document your deduction with your federal return.
Deduction usually equals the sale price
In most cases, the IRS allows you to deduct the amount the charity receives when your vehicle is sold, not a private estimate. Your 1098-C (or written acknowledgment) will list this sale price, which you’ll use when determining your allowable deduction.
Itemize on Schedule A to use the deduction
To benefit from a car-donation tax deduction, you must itemize deductions on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. If you’re unsure whether itemizing makes sense, consult a tax professional when planning your Boston year-end donation.
Receipt generally arrives within about 30 days
After pickup and sale, Heritage for the Blind sends your written acknowledgment and, when applicable, Form 1098-C—typically within about 30 days of the sale. Keep this with your tax records to support your deduction if the IRS ever requests documentation.