Your decision to donate your vehicle is an important one, and we know that transparency is paramount for our donors. At Wheels for Wishes, we believe in open communication and clarity throughout the donation process. This page outlines every step your vehicle takes after donation, from the moment we pick it up to when you receive your tax receipt.
Understanding the journey of your vehicle will not only reassure you of its impact but also highlight how your generosity supports our mission of providing wish-granting services for children battling critical illnesses. Transparency is not just a policy for us; it is the foundation of our trust with our donors.
✓Key facts you can verify
- Wheels for Wishes is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity.
- Donors can verify our charitable status through IRS pub78 lookup.
- Donations are tax-deductible based on the actual sale price of the vehicle.
- We provide detailed IRS Form 1098-C for tax purposes.
- Vehicles are sold at auction or used directly for our charitable programs.
- We are accountable to state charity regulations in Wyoming.
How it works, step by step
Pickup (Day 0)
Your vehicle is scheduled for pickup at your convenience, ensuring a hassle-free donation experience. Our team will arrive on the agreed date to handle all logistics.
Transport to Auction Lot (Day 0-5)
After pickup, your vehicle is transported to our secure auction lot. This typically occurs within the first five days, ensuring that your donation is processed swiftly.
Inspection + Title Verification (Day 3-10)
Our team conducts a thorough inspection and verifies the vehicle title within 3 to 10 days of pickup, ensuring all paperwork is in order for a legitimate sale.
Auction Listing (Day 7-21)
Your vehicle is then listed for auction between days 7 and 21. We market it effectively to maximize sale proceeds, benefiting the children we serve.
Sale (Day 14-45)
Vehicles are typically sold within 14 to 45 days after listing, at which point the final sale price is established, directly impacting your tax deduction.
Proceeds Distribution (Day 30-60)
Funds from the sale are distributed between 30 to 60 days following the auction. Proceeds support our mission, ensuring every dollar goes towards making wishes come true.
1098-C Receipt Mailed (Day 30-60)
You will receive IRS Form 1098-C within 30 to 60 days after the vehicle sale. This document details the sale amount for your tax records.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS Pub78 Lookup
How: Visit the IRS website to verify our 501(c)(3) status. Search for Wheels for Wishes to confirm our eligibility as a charitable organization.
✓ Charity Navigator Search
How: You can check our ratings on Charity Navigator for insights into our financial health and accountability. This ensures we meet industry standards for transparency.
✓ Attorney General Charity Registry
How: Check the Wyoming Attorney General’s charity registry to verify our legitimacy and compliance with local regulations for charitable organizations.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: Our Form 990 is publicly available and can be obtained from platforms like Guidestar. This form provides detailed insights into our financial operations.
✓ Better Business Bureau Accreditation
How: Investigate our accreditation status with the BBB to ensure we meet their standards for trustworthiness and reliability in charity operations.
Real impact, real numbers
Your generosity makes a significant difference. For instance, in the last year, vehicle donations helped fund over 200 wishes for children facing critical illnesses, translating into more than $1 million raised. Every donation, regardless of its size, contributes to granting these wishes and making a lasting impact in our community.
Wyoming oversight
In Wyoming, you can verify our charity registration through the Wyoming Secretary of State’s office. Additionally, the Attorney General’s office oversees charitable organizations and provides resources for donors. If you have any concerns about our practices, you can file a complaint with the Wyoming AG's office or consult local consumer protection agencies for assistance.