In Hartford, the IRS rule is clear: your car donation only counts for this tax year if the vehicle is picked up on or before December 31. With Drive Forward, operated in partnership with Heritage for the Blind, you can schedule free towing Monday–Saturday all through December, including Christmas week. In most Hartford Metro areas, when you contact us on a weekday before early afternoon, we can arrange same-day or next-day pickup. To safely lock in a December 31 slot, call or submit the 2‑minute form by December 27–28, with your signed title ready.
We serve donors across the Hartford Metro: from West Hartford, East Hartford, and Newington to Bloomfield, Wethersfield, Manchester, Glastonbury, and beyond. Your car doesn’t need to run—no inspections, no repairs, no emissions test required. We tow at no cost to you and provide a tax receipt from Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) helping people who are blind or visually impaired. If you’re in Hartford and want this year’s tax deduction, now is the time. Start your donation in minutes, get your December pickup confirmed, and clear that car from your driveway before the ball drops.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your Hartford donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesCall Drive Forward or complete the quick online form with your contact info, Hartford-area pickup address, and basic vehicle details. It takes about two minutes and there’s no obligation. Have your title nearby so we can confirm you’re ready to sign on pickup day.
Choose your December pickup date
2 minutesOur team checks Hartford Metro tow availability—West Hartford, East Hartford, Newington, Manchester, and more. In most cases we can offer same-day or next-day slots on weekday requests. To guarantee a Dec 31 pickup, contact us by Dec 27–28 and confirm a time that works for you.
Prepare your signed title and keys
5–10 minutesBefore your truck arrives, remove personal items, license plates if required, and locate your title. Sign it according to Connecticut DMV rules. Your car can be non-running and needs no repairs. Just have the keys and signed title ready for our Hartford-area tow driver when they arrive.
Free tow anywhere in Hartford Metro
pickup dayOur professional towing partner comes to your home, workplace, or garage in the Hartford area—whether you’re in downtown Hartford, Bloomfield, Wethersfield, or Glastonbury. Towing is always free, regardless of condition. Once the vehicle is loaded, your donation for this tax year is locked in if it’s on or before Dec 31.
Receive your tax receipt from Heritage for the Blind
within weeksAfter pickup, Heritage for the Blind processes and sells the vehicle. You’ll receive a tax receipt, and for qualifying donations an IRS Form 1098‑C, generally mailed within around 30 days of the sale. You then use this documentation to claim your deduction when you file your federal return.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 pickup = this year’s deduction
For vehicle donations, the IRS looks at the actual date the charity takes possession. If Drive Forward picks up your car on or before December 31 in Hartford, you can generally claim the deduction for this tax year.
Form 1098-C for larger donations
When your donated vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind issues IRS Form 1098‑C if the value meets IRS thresholds. This form shows the gross sale price and must be attached to your return when you claim deductions over the IRS reporting limit.
Deduction usually equals sale price
In most cases, your deductible amount is the vehicle’s gross sale price, not a price guide estimate. Heritage for the Blind will state this sale price on your receipt or Form 1098‑C, which you then use when itemizing on Schedule A of your federal tax return.
You’ll receive a receipt within about 30 days
After your car is sold, the charity prepares a written acknowledgment, typically mailed within about 30 days of the completed sale. Keep this receipt with your tax records; it’s your proof of donation and shows the amount you may deduct.
Itemize on Schedule A to claim
Vehicle donations are taken as charitable deductions when you itemize on Schedule A of your federal return. If you don’t itemize, you generally can’t claim the deduction, even with a receipt. Ask your tax advisor how this affects your specific situation.