In Connecticut, the IRS rule is simple: for your car donation to count as a tax deduction for this year, the pickup must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on December 31. With Nutmeg Auto Aid, your vehicle is towed free for Heritage for the Blind, Monday–Saturday, all the way through December 31, including Christmas week. In most Connecticut metro areas, if you contact us before early afternoon on a weekday, we can often schedule same-day or next-day pickup. To safely lock in a December 31 slot, call or submit the 2-minute form by December 27–28, with your signed title ready.
Nutmeg Auto Aid is based right here in Connecticut, helping donors from Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford, and Waterbury to smaller communities like Manchester, West Hartford, Fairfield, Meriden, Danbury, Norwich, New London, Bristol, Enfield, and Middletown. Whether your car runs or not, lives in a New Haven apartment lot, a Fairfield County driveway, or a Hartford street spot, towing is free and easy. Your donation supports Heritage for the Blind’s services for people who are blind or visually impaired, and you receive a tax receipt for your deduction. If you’re searching in November or December, this is your window—start now and secure your spot before the year-end rush.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2-minute form or call
2 minutesProvide basic info about your car, your Connecticut pickup address (home, work, or shop), and how to reach you. It truly takes about two minutes, and there’s no obligation. We’ll immediately route your request to our local towing partners serving your CT area.
Confirm a pickup day and time window
5-10 minutesA scheduling coordinator contacts you to lock in a pickup window, Monday–Saturday. In most CT metro areas we can offer same-day or next-day slots on weekday calls before early afternoon. Call by December 27–28 to comfortably secure a December 31 pickup.
Sign your title before the truck arrives
5 minutesYou must have a properly signed Connecticut title ready for the tow driver. We’ll guide you on where to sign so ownership transfers correctly to Heritage for the Blind’s program. No emissions test, no repairs, and no inspection are needed—non-running vehicles are welcome.
Free tow anywhere in Connecticut
15-30 minutes at pickupOur licensed towing partners come to your location—driveway in West Hartford, parking lot in New Haven, garage in Stamford, or a shop in Bridgeport. Towing is always free, regardless of condition. Once the vehicle is picked up by December 31, your deduction applies to this tax year.
Receive your tax receipt from Heritage for the Blind
Within 30 days of saleAfter Heritage for the Blind’s program processes and sells the vehicle, you receive a written acknowledgment and IRS Form 1098‑C where required. This shows the gross sale price, which is generally the amount you can deduct if you itemize on Schedule A.
Year-end tax deduction facts
December 31 is the IRS cutoff
For your donation to count toward this year’s taxes, the vehicle must be donated and picked up by December 31. If the tow occurs on January 1 or later, your deduction shifts to the next tax year.
Form 1098-C documents larger deductions
When Heritage for the Blind’s program sells your donated vehicle for more than the IRS threshold, you receive IRS Form 1098‑C. This form lists the sale price and other required details to support your deduction.
Deduction usually equals sale price
In many cases, your allowable charitable deduction is the vehicle’s gross sale price, not blue-book value. Heritage for the Blind provides documentation of the sale amount so you can accurately claim it on your return.
Itemize on Schedule A to claim
To use your car donation as a tax deduction, you generally need to itemize deductions on IRS Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. A tax professional can help you decide what’s best for your situation.
30-day written acknowledgment
Heritage for the Blind sends a written acknowledgment—often including Form 1098‑C when required—typically within 30 days of the vehicle’s sale. Keep this with your records in case the IRS requests proof of your donation.