How the car donation process works
Start your Tacoma car donation online or by phone
Begin by telling Sound Car Relief about the vehicle you want to donate, including the year, make, model, location, and title status. Cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and other vehicles may be accepted, even if they are not running. Whether the vehicle is parked near the Stadium District, in South Tacoma, on the Eastside, or in a driveway in Gig Harbor or Puyallup, the goal is to make donating simple and low-stress. You do not need to understand charity vehicle sales or tax paperwork before starting; the process is designed for everyday donors with honest questions.
Schedule free pickup anywhere in the Puget Sound area
After your donation is submitted, a towing provider will contact you to arrange a free pickup time. There is no towing charge to you, and pickup is available throughout Tacoma and nearby Puget Sound communities such as Lakewood, University Place, Federal Way, Fife, Parkland, Spanaway, and Steilacoom. In many cases, you do not need to be present if the vehicle and paperwork can be accessed as arranged. The tow removes an unwanted vehicle from your property while beginning the process that turns it into support for Heritage for the Blind.
Your vehicle is sold to create charitable proceeds
Once the vehicle is picked up, it is processed for sale through an appropriate vehicle resale channel. The final sale price depends on the vehicle’s condition, age, mileage, demand, and market factors, so Sound Car Relief will not guess or promise a value in advance. What matters most for mission-minded donors is where the proceeds go: 100-percent of the vehicle proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind. That means your old car, running or not, is converted into funding for services that support blind and visually impaired Americans.
Proceeds fund services for blind and visually impaired people
Heritage for the Blind uses vehicle donation proceeds to help people who are blind or visually impaired access support, information, and service connections. This includes helping individuals understand and connect with government benefit programs such as SSI, SSDI, LIHEAP, Section 8, Medicare Extra Help, and Medicaid. These programs can be confusing, especially for people facing vision loss, disability, fixed incomes, or housing and energy-cost concerns. Donors who want to see whether they or someone they care about may qualify for assistance can check eligibility at nhftb.org/finder.
Receive tax documentation for your donation
Because Heritage for the Blind is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446, your vehicle donation may be tax-deductible if you itemize deductions. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, the deduction generally equals the gross vehicle sale price, and donors receive IRS Form 1098-C for tax filing. You should keep your donation records and consult a tax professional if you have questions about your specific return. Sound Car Relief helps you move from donation to documentation with a clear, donor-friendly process.
Key facts about car donation
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446.
100-percent of vehicle sale proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind.
Free towing is available for donors in Tacoma and across the Puget Sound region.
Vehicle donations may be tax-deductible for donors who itemize deductions.
For vehicles sold over $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C.
Benefit eligibility information is available through Heritage for the Blind at nhftb.org/finder.