In Wisconsin, your vehicle donation only counts for this tax year if it is physically picked up on or before December 31. The IRS uses the actual pickup date as the official donation date—not the day you call or fill out the form. That means if your car is towed on January 2, it will count toward next year’s taxes, even if you scheduled in December. To be safe, Badger Auto Aid recommends you schedule your free pickup at least 3–5 business days before December 31 so Heritage for the Blind can get your vehicle picked up in time.
Badger Auto Aid proudly serves donors across Wisconsin—from Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, and West Allis to Madison, Sun Prairie, and Fitchburg; from Green Bay, De Pere, and Appleton to Kenosha, Racine, Eau Claire, and La Crosse. Heritage for the Blind operates Monday through Saturday throughout the holiday season, with free towing even for non-running vehicles. You don’t need an emission test, inspection, or repairs. After your car sells, you’ll receive a written acknowledgment (and IRS Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500). The tax year of your deduction is locked in by your pickup date—so if you want this year’s deduction, start your donation in Wisconsin today.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesComplete Badger Auto Aid’s quick online form or call to donate from anywhere in Wisconsin—Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, and beyond. Have your title (if available) and vehicle location ready so we can move fast toward a year-end pickup.
Choose your earliest pickup window
5 minutesTell us the earliest days and times that work. To qualify for this tax year, your vehicle must be picked up by December 31. We recommend contacting us at least 3–5 business days before year-end so Heritage for the Blind can schedule you in time.
Confirm the IRS-relevant pickup date
3 minutesWe’ll schedule your free tow Monday–Saturday and give you a specific pickup date. That date is what the IRS treats as your donation date. If it’s on or before Dec 31, you’ve locked in this year’s tax deduction—even though your receipt will arrive later.
Free towing anywhere in Wisconsin
Day of pickupA professional towing partner arrives at your home, workplace, or storage lot—whether you’re in Brookfield, Oshkosh, Janesville, or Superior. Non-running vehicles are welcome. There’s no cost to you, and no inspection or repairs required before we haul it away.
Receive your written tax acknowledgment
After saleHeritage for the Blind processes and sells your vehicle to fund programs for people who are blind or visually impaired. After the sale, you’ll receive a written acknowledgment (and Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500). Your deduction year is still based on the pickup date.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 pickup = this year’s deduction
For the IRS, the donation date is when the car is actually picked up, not when you schedule. If your vehicle is towed on or before December 31, it counts for this tax year’s potential deduction.
Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500
If your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind will issue IRS Form 1098-C. This form shows the gross sale price, which generally limits the amount of your charitable deduction.
Itemizing on Schedule A
To claim a deduction for your Wisconsin car donation, you must itemize deductions on your federal tax return using Schedule A. If you take the standard deduction, you generally cannot claim an additional vehicle donation deduction.
Written acknowledgment requirement
The IRS requires a written acknowledgment from the charity for vehicle donations. Heritage for the Blind mails this after your car sells. Keep it with your records to support your deduction if the IRS ever asks for documentation.
Sale price usually sets deduction amount
In most cases, your deductible amount is the vehicle’s actual sale price, not the Blue Book value. There are limited exceptions; always consult your tax advisor for how the rules apply to your specific situation.