Donating a car in memory of a loved one is a beautiful way to honor their passion for their vehicle while contributing to a meaningful cause. At Cruz Fresno, we understand how important it is to celebrate their life, and we’re here to guide you through the process of making a tribute donation.
When you donate a car in memory of someone, Cruz Fresno will acknowledge this special tribute by sending a notification card to their family. While the donation must be made by the current owner of the vehicle, we ensure that the process is straightforward and respectful, providing an IRS receipt for tax purposes. Let’s explore how you can make this heartfelt tribute today.
How to make it happen
Ensure Title Ownership
Check that the vehicle title is in your name, as donations can only be made by the current owner. If the title is still in the deceased's name, estate management may be necessary before proceeding.
Complete Donation Form
Visit the Cruz Fresno website to complete the vehicle donation form, indicating that the donation is in memory of your loved one. Provide their name for our records.
Schedule Pickup
Once the form is submitted, our team will contact you to arrange for the vehicle pickup at your convenience. Make sure to have the title and keys ready.
Receive Notification Card
Cruz Fresno will send a tribute notification card to the family of the deceased, letting them know about your generous donation in memory of their loved one.
Get Your Tax Receipt
After the donation is processed, you will receive a tax receipt from Cruz Fresno for your records, which you can use for your tax deductions.
Common gotchas
Title Issues
Tip: Ensure the vehicle title is in your name. If it’s still in the deceased’s name, you may need to resolve estate issues before donating.
Notification Expectations
Tip: Remember that the notification card will only be sent to the family member specified in the donation form. Ensure you provide accurate contact information.
IRS Tax Receipts
Tip: Keep in mind that only donations over $500 will require a specific IRS Form 1098-C for tax purposes. Be sure to check your vehicle’s value.
If this path doesn't fit
If donating the vehicle isn’t feasible due to title or estate issues, consider selling the car and donating the proceeds to Cruz Fresno. This way, you can still honor your loved one while supporting a cause that matters to you both.
Fresno DMV specifics
In California, the DMV requires you to complete a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability form when donating a vehicle. You will need to surrender the license plates unless you choose to retain them. Make sure to check for any lien releases necessary if the car was financed. You can find the specific forms and steps on the California DMV website or contact them directly for guidance.