Celebrating 25 Years of Changing Lives
Vehicles for Change will accept and pick up most vehicle donations from Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia. We will consider donations from any location in the country, depending on the condition of the car.
We accept on a case-by-case basis: motorcycles and RVs.
Our Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified mechanics inspect every donated vehicle and determine how to derive the greatest value for VFC families while maximizing the donor’s tax deduction. Cars, trucks, SUVs and vans fall into four categories:
Vehicle Description
If it can be reconditioned for less than $1,200 and will provide at least two years or 24,000 miles of reliable service. This vehicle is typically less than 12 years old and has fewer than 150,000 miles.
What We Do
Our Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified master mechanics and Maryland state licensed inspectors oversee and make repairs, as well as detail the vehicle, and award it to a pre-qualified family
Tax Description
The vehicle’s fair market value.
Vehicle Description
It needs a major repair (e.g. new transmission) but is otherwise in very good condition
What We Do
After our ASE certified master mechanics oversee and make repairs on the vehicle to maximize its value, we sell it to the public through Freedom Wheels, our used-car retail business. We use all proceeds to prepare other cars for worthy families
Tax Description
The vehicle’s fair market value, minus the cost of repairs.
Vehicle Description
A luxury car that’s in good condition.
What We Do
VFC doesn't provide luxury cars to low-income families because they can be expensive to repair and maintain. The car is repaired by our ASE certified mechanics. It is state inspected and detailed prior to being placed on our retail lot, Freedom Wheels
Tax Description
The selling price, up to the vehicle’s fair market value.
Vehicle Description
The vehicle doesn't meet our reliability standards and can't be improved cost-effectively
What We Do
We spruce up the vehicle and select an auction partner where the selling price will be maximized. We assign a minimum bid value to assure it isn't sold for less than a fair price. Proceeds allow us to prepare more cars for low-income families
Tax Description
The selling price, up to the vehicle’s fair market value.
Vehicle Description
Motorcycles and boats
What We Do
Select an auction partner where the selling price will be maximized. We assign a minimum bid value to assure the vehicle isn't sold for less than a fair price. All funds raised help us prepare more cars for low-income families
Tax Description
The selling price, up to the vehicle's fair market value.
Please note that these are guidelines for how donations will be used. Vehicles for Change reviews and evaluates each donation on a case-by-case basis.
Every vehicle donated to Vehicles for Change is equally important, whether it goes to a family or raises funds that go toward preparing other cars for families. About one-third of our operating budget comes from the sale of vehicles.
Read more about the Vehicles for Change Tax Advantage.
*Deductions may vary depending on individual circumstances, so please consult your tax adviser and see the Internal Revenue
Service’s “A Donor’s Guide to Vehicle Donations.” The IRS’s “Determining the Value of Donated Property” is another
helpful resource.
Changing Lives with Donated Cars
VFC is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Tax ID: 54-1933692
Tax Return
