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Frequently asked questions
What are the tax benefits of donating my vehicle to Motorvation Drive?What types of vehicles do you accept?Does the vehicle have to be running?How does a vehicle qualify for Motorvation Drive?What will happen to the vehicle I donate?How will my donation help people in need?Why can’t I just donate my vehicle to someone in need?
What are the tax benefits of donating my vehicle to Motorvation Drive?Lutheran Social Services of Michigan is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. In general, donors who itemize their taxes may deduct the fair market value of any donated vehicle up to $499. If your vehicle sells for more than $500, you may deduct the full selling price. You will receive the appropriate receipt from Lutheran Social Services for your car donation. For more information, see IRS Publication 4303, “A Donor’s Guide to Vehicle Donations,” at the IRS Web site (www.irs.gov) and consult with your own tax advisor.
What types of vehicles do you accept?Motorvation Drive accepts cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, airplanes, construction vehicles, RVs and trailers. All vehicles must have proper title documentation.
Does the vehicle have to be running?The vehicle does not have to be in running condition. It does have to have inflated tires so that our towing operators can move it. We will ask you to answer some questions about the vehicle to determine if it qualifies for our program.
How does a vehicle qualify for Motorvation Drive?We will do a telephone assessment of the vehicle with you. If we determine that the likely sales value will be greater than the costs of transporting and processing it, we will be happy to accept it.
What will happen to the vehicle I donate?If your vehicle qualifies, we will arrange to pick it up – anywhere in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. We will prepare the vehicle for sale at Kozak Motor Sales in Roseville, Mich., or at auction.
How will my donation help people in need?Some of the vehicles will be sold at deep discount to Lutheran Social Services clients who need reliable transportation. These include youth preparing to leave foster care, refugees, homeless parents at our Wayne County Family Center and women in our Heartline program who are making a new start after leaving prison. Proceeds from the sales of all vehicles – 60 percent of the sales price, after transport and processing costs – will be used for Lutheran Social Services programs.
Why can’t I just donate my vehicle to someone in need?Despite having great needs, Lutheran Social Services clients need a hand up, not a handout. Motorvation Drive will enable those who need transportation to choose and purchase their own vehicles. This will help set them on the road to self-reliance. The program will also provide funds to benefit clients who have other needs.