Your Guide to Donating a Vehicle to Support Cats in Action
Donating your car, truck, motorcycle, RV, or other vehicle to Cats in Action is one of the most meaningful ways you can support community cats in need in Chicago and throughout Illinois. Helping felines has never been easier!
How do I donate a car to Cats in Action in Chicago or Illinois?
To start your vehicle donation, call our partner CARS at 855-500-RIDE (855-500-7433) or complete the easy online vehicle donation form. CARS will coordinate pickup, paperwork, and free towing anywhere in Chicago and throughout Illinois.
What types of vehicles can I donate in Illinois?
We accept most vehicles: cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, boats, and more — running or not — as long as they’re in one piece and towable.
Do I need a smog certificate to donate my car?
No. For states that require a smog certificate or safety inspection, you may still donate your vehicle without a smog certificate or safety inspection.
Can I donate a vehicle that doesn’t run?
Yes! Non-running vehicles can still help. As long as they’re towable and in one piece, we’ll arrange free pickup, and your donation still makes a big impact.
Is my vehicle donation tax-deductible?
Yes! Cats in Action is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so your donation qualifies as a tax-deductible gift. After the vehicle sells, you’ll receive IRS Form 1098-C for your tax records.
How is my tax deduction amount determined?
The deduction is based on the actual sale price of your donated vehicle at auction. For most vehicles, you can claim the fair market value up to the sales price listed on Form 1098-C.
How long does the donation process take in Chicago/IL?
Typically, once you contact CARS and submit your vehicle information, free pickup is scheduled within a few days, and paperwork/tax receipts follow the sale.
Will Cats in Action get all the proceeds from my vehicle?
Cats in Action receives at least 70% of the net proceeds from the sale of your donated vehicle, providing vital support for rescue efforts, trap-neuter-return (TNR) programming, medical care, and community education for cats.
Do I need the title to donate my car in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois requires a Certificate of Title to transfer ownership when donating your vehicle. If you can’t find your title, we can help you apply for a duplicate with the Secretary of State before pickup.
How do I sign my Illinois title for donation?
On the front of the title, enter the vehicle’s mileage, print and sign your name exactly as it appears on the title, and follow the buyer information instructions given at the time you complete the donation.
What do I do with my license plates in Illinois?
Keep your license plates after donation. In Illinois, plates remain with the owner and should be removed prior to pickup.
Do I need to notify the Illinois Secretary of State after a donation?
Yes. You should complete and submit a Seller’s Report of Sale (Form VSD-703) to the Secretary of State’s Vehicle Services Department after your vehicle is picked up to release liability and update state records.
When should I cancel my car insurance?
Cancel insurance only after your vehicle has been picked up, and you’ve completed the state notification (Report of Sale). Cancelling beforehand could leave you liable if the vehicle is not yet officially released.
How long is the sale process?
The entire sale process can take approximately four to 12 weeks. However, there are times the sales process can exceed 12 weeks. This occurs if we are holding onto the vehicle for a better sales price, etc.
Will I get a donation tax receipt?
In most cases, donors will receive an initial donation receipt from the tow driver at the time of the vehicle pick-up. This initial acknowledgement will indicate the donor’s name as well as the year, make, model, and condition of the donated vehicle. Should you not receive a receipt, please give our donor support team a call, and we will get one out to you.
Donors will also be mailed a thank-you letter on behalf of the receiving nonprofit within 30 days of the sale of the vehicle, which serves as a tax receipt. This will be the donor’s final tax document if their vehicle sells for $500 or less.
If the vehicle sells for more than $500 and the donor has provided their tax identification number, CARS will also mail an IRS Form 1098-C, ‘Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes’, to the donor within 30 days of the sale, stating the amount of gross proceeds received from their donation.
Donate a vehicle to support Chicago area cats in need!
To get started, simply fill out the online vehicle donation form or give us a call to schedule your free pick-up. The kitties will thank you!