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Vehicle Donation Form
Frequently Asked Questions About our Vehicle Donation Program
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What documents are required to donate my vehicle?
By law, at the time we pick up your vehicle, you will need to have a title without any kind of lien or levy from creditors or other parties, and there should be no question as to your legal ownership. The title must be in your name, with no cross-outs or errors. If your title lists a lien holder followed by a bank, your bank will either provide a lien release or sign off on the title that states that it has no further interest in your vehicle. The title needs to be signed by the person to whom the title has been issued, and it must be notarized, if required. If notarization is required, do not sign the title until you are in front of the notary public.
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What if the title is in someone else’s name or if someone else other than the person whose name appears on the front of the title signed the title?
If the title is in the name of a person other than the donor, or if the title has been signed by someone other than the person named on the front of the title, then the title is void. A duplicate title in the name of the person on the front of the title must be re-issued. The donor may NOT sign the title. Per the IRS, the 1098-C tax form will be issued to the person whose name appears on the front of the title.
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What if the title was signed over to me by someone else and my name does not appear on the front of the title?
If the title is signed over to another person, in the buyer’s area of the back of the title, the title will need to be retitled in the buyer’s name. Registration may be required by the DMV.
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There are two people listed on the title. Do both of us need to sign?
Yes. If there are two owners listed on the front of a title, both will need to print and sign their names as they appear on the front of the title, in the first seller’s section.
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The title is in a deceased person’s name. How do I complete the transfer of title?
The person handling the donation of the vehicle must have a copy of the deceased person’s death certificate, as well as either a copy of the power of attorney OR a copy of the executor of the estate form. In addition, the court-appointed representative will then need to print and sign their name on the seller;s area on the back of the title. All of this documentation is required at the time of the vehicle donation.
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How should the title be signed?
The title must be signed exactly as the name appears on the front of the title, including prefixes, suffixes, middle names, etc. If the title is not signed exactly as it appears on the front of the title, the title will be void, and you may need to obtain a duplicate title.
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Will you fix up my vehicle?
It is the goal of Step to obtain the maximum amount for every donated vehicle to best serve our men and to provide you with the greatest tax deduction value. The IRS requires that the costs of repairs or improvements to a vehicle be deducted from the vehicle sale price for tax deduction purposes. Therefore, we do not typically do any major fixes on vehicles such as body work or engine or transmission repair. We do only basic, minor repairs to a vehicle for sale on the wholesale market.
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How is the value of my donated vehicle determined?
Upon receiving your donated vehicle, we assess its condition and determine how it can be sold on either the wholesale market or the parts resale market. Once a vehicle has been sold, we will provide you with a 1098-C tax form stating the gross amount of the vehicle’s sale price. Donating a vehicle to a nonprofit organization has specific tax implications. We encourage you to review these before making your donation. You may obtain this information online here (link to IRS Information page) or by calling (800) 829-3676 (toll-free).
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What if something happens to my vehicle once it’s picked up for donation transport? May I cancel my insurance after the vehicle is picked up?
When we take possession of the vehicle, the donor is no longer liable. The vehicle is covered by our insurance, and the donor may cancel the insurance policy for the donated vehicle.
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Do I have to pay for transporting my vehicle for donation?
No, you will not incur any costs. Step will cover the cost of the vehicle pickup.
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How do you sell the vehicles?
Donated vehicles may be sold for parts or wholesale. For more information on the process, please call 303-296-9020.
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May I drop off my vehicle?
Yes, you may drop off your donated vehicle. Please call 303-296-9020 to make an appointment.
