Donating your car is a generous act, but we know that many donors are understandably skeptical about what happens after their vehicle is picked up. At Coal Valley Charity Cars, transparency is at the heart of our operations. We believe it's essential for you, as a donor, to know how your contribution is handled and the impact it makes.
This page outlines the chronological steps your vehicle goes through after donation—from pickup to receipt issuance. We aim to provide clarity on how the proceeds from your donation benefit our community programs and how you can utilize your generous act for potential tax deductions.
✓Key facts you can verify
- Coal Valley Charity Cars is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
- Donors can verify our status via the IRS public charity lookup (pub78).
- We conduct vehicle inspections and title verifications to ensure legitimacy.
- We provide tax deductions based on actual sale price or fair market value.
- Donors receive IRS Form 1098-C to support their tax filings.
- The Pennsylvania Attorney General oversees charitable organizations, including ours.
- Coal Valley Charity Cars is rated on charity evaluation platforms such as Charity Navigator and GuideStar.
- We encourage checking our status with the Better Business Bureau for trustworthiness.
How it works, step by step
Pickup (Day 0)
Upon scheduling, we arrange a convenient pickup for your vehicle. Our trusted team arrives to collect the car, ensuring a smooth transition from your ownership to ours.
Transport to Auction Lot (Day 0-5)
Once picked up, your vehicle is transported to our secure auction lot where it will be prepared for the next steps. This typically occurs within five days post-pickup.
Inspection + Title Verification (Day 3-10)
Your vehicle undergoes a thorough inspection and title verification, typically completed within 3 to 10 days. This ensures compliance with legal requirements and prepares it for auction.
Auction Listing (Day 7-21)
After inspection, your vehicle is listed for auction within 7 to 21 days. This process includes marketing and promotion to maximize its sale value for our charity.
Sale (Day 14-45)
The sale of your vehicle occurs between 14 to 45 days post-listing. Gross proceeds from the auction directly benefit Coal Valley Charity Cars' community programs.
Proceeds Distribution (Day 30-60)
Proceeds from the sale are allocated to fund our charitable programs. This typically occurs within 30 to 60 days following the sale.
1098-C Receipt Mailed (Day 30-60)
Once the vehicle is sold, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C via mail within 30 to 60 days. This receipt provides the necessary details for tax purposes.
Donor Files Receipt (Spring Tax Return)
Donors are encouraged to keep Copy B of Form 1098-C for tax return filings the following spring. Most donors donating between January and November typically receive their receipts before the April tax-filing deadline.
Verify it yourself
✓ Confirm our charity status
How: Use the IRS public charity lookup (pub78) to verify that Coal Valley Charity Cars is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. This provides assurance of our legitimacy.
✓ Review our financial accountability
How: Access our Form 990 filings, available through public records, to see detailed information about our financial health and operational expenses.
✓ Check ratings on evaluation platforms
How: Look us up on Charity Navigator and GuideStar for third-party evaluations. These platforms provide insights into our accountability, transparency, and performance.
✓ Consult with the Attorney General’s office
How: The Pennsylvania Attorney General's office maintains records of registered charities. You can inquire about our standing and any past complaints.
✓ Review Better Business Bureau ratings
How: Visit the Better Business Bureau’s website to explore our ratings and reviews. This can help you assess our credibility and donor satisfaction.
Real impact, real numbers
Your generous donations help us provide vital transportation assistance to low-income families and individuals in need. For example, last year, we helped over 150 families access reliable transportation, valued at more than $200,000. This impact allows us to support those who face challenges in reaching work, medical appointments, and educational opportunities. Every vehicle donation contributes to making a significant difference in our community!
Wilkes-Barre oversight
Located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Coal Valley Charity Cars operates under the oversight of state charity regulations. The Pennsylvania Attorney General's office provides mechanisms to file complaints and ensure compliance among charity organizations. If you have concerns, local consumer protection resources are available to assist in resolving any issues related to charitable donations.