Donate your RV

Hello Community,

Donating a recreational vehicle to charity helps an organization and can result in a tax benefit for you, the donor. The Internal Revenue Service allows taxpayers a deduction for donating vehicles, including RVs, to certain charities. Special rules, however, apply to these donations and can affect the amount of your deduction. Here are some instructions for donating your RV.

1. Find a charity that is qualified to receive tax-deductible donations and that accepts RV donations. Many charities, including churches, youth clubs and homeless shelters, seek vehicle donations, either for their own use or for resale. Qualifying organizations can include foundations or trusts, war veterans' groups and fraternal societies, among others.
2. Determine how the charity will use your donation because that use can affect the amount of your deduction. For example, if the charity plans to sell the vehicle, you can deduct the sale price. If the charity uses the RV or repairs or upgrades it before selling it, you may be able to deduct the fair-market value.
3. Determine how to deliver your RV to the charity. Many charities offer pick-up or towing services, which can be helpful if your RV is no longer in working condition.
4. Remove the license plates to avoid any liability following the donation. Give the keys to the charity.
5. Hand over the title. Make sure the title lists you as the owner and that all liens are released. You may also have to ask the charity or research regulations regarding title transfers for you particular state. In most cases, you will transfer the RV to the charity's name and get a copy of the transfer. It's usually up to the charity to notify the local Department of Motor Vehicles about the transfer.
6. Have the charity supply a receipt federal tax Form 1098-C (Contributions of Vehicles, Boats and Airplanes) or other statement that shows the value of your donation.


Best Regards,
Tim Boon