If your car is picked up on or before December 31 in New Mexico, the IRS treats your vehicle donation as a deduction for this tax year—even if the car sells later. With AutoLift, it takes about two minutes to start online or by phone. A local coordinator calls you back within 1–2 business hours, schedules your free tow, and our licensed driver brings the title paperwork right to your driveway. Once the tow is complete, your donation date is locked in for this year’s taxes.
AutoLift handles car donations statewide for Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) helping people who are blind or visually impaired. We pick up in Albuquerque (Nob Hill, Westside, Northeast Heights), Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Farmington, Roswell, Clovis, Hobbs, and smaller communities from Gallup to Carlsbad and Alamogordo. Your car doesn’t need to run, pass emissions, or have current registration. Just remove your personal items, have your title ready, and we’ll do the rest. To secure your year-end tax deduction, start the form now—December pickup slots across New Mexico fill up fast.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesComplete AutoLift’s short online form or call our New Mexico donation line and say you need pickup by December 31. Share your contact info, vehicle details, and where the car is located—Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, or anywhere in New Mexico.
Get a callback to lock in pickup
Within 1–2 business hours (weekdays)A local coordinator for AutoLift and Heritage for the Blind calls you back, usually within 1–2 hours on weekdays, to schedule your free tow. Tell us your deadline and we’ll confirm the earliest available pickup before or on December 31.
Free tow truck arrives at your address
Same day or next business day in most metrosIn metro areas like Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces, a licensed tow truck usually arrives the same day or next business day. Rural New Mexico pickups are scheduled as soon as trucks are available. Towing is always free to you.
Sign your title at pickup
5–10 minutes at your curbAt pickup, you hand over the keys (if you have them) and sign the title with the driver. The vehicle doesn’t need to run, be registered, or pass inspection. The physical pickup date is what the IRS uses as your official donation date.
We sell the vehicle & mail your tax receipt
Receipt within 30 days of saleAutoLift transports and sells your vehicle. Heritage for the Blind then mails you IRS Form 1098-C or a written acknowledgment within 30 days of the sale, showing the sale price you’ll use to claim your deduction on Schedule A.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 pickup locks in this year’s deduction
For IRS purposes, the donation date is the day your vehicle is picked up, not the day it sells. If we tow your car on or before December 31 in New Mexico, you can claim the deduction for this tax year.
IRS Form 1098-C documents your gift
After your car is sold, Heritage for the Blind sends IRS Form 1098-C or a written acknowledgment within 30 days of sale. Keep this with your tax records as proof of your qualified vehicle donation.
Deduction usually equals the sale price
In most cases, the IRS allows you to deduct the actual gross sale price of your donated vehicle, as shown on Form 1098-C. Your tax advisor can help you apply this amount on your Schedule A if you itemize deductions.
You’ll claim it on Schedule A if you itemize
Vehicle donations are a charitable contribution. To benefit, you generally must itemize deductions using Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Ask your tax professional which option is best for your situation.
30-day receipt rule after the sale
The IRS requires that you receive a written acknowledgment within 30 days after the vehicle is sold. AutoLift and Heritage for the Blind mail your 1098-C or receipt promptly so you have documentation ready at tax time.