In New Mexico, the IRS donation date is the day your vehicle is actually picked up, not the day you call. To claim your deduction for this tax year, AutoLift must complete your free pickup for Heritage for the Blind on or before December 31. Because trucks book up quickly at year-end, we strongly recommend you schedule your pickup at least 3–5 business days before December 31 so we can lock in a date and time that guarantees this year’s deduction.
AutoLift serves donors across New Mexico—from Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Los Lunas, and Corrales to Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Farmington, Roswell, and Clovis. Whether you’re in the Northeast Heights, the Westside, the South Valley, near the University of New Mexico, up in Taos, or out near Gallup and Carlsbad, we work with Heritage for the Blind to arrange fast, free towing Monday through Saturday throughout the holiday season. Running or not, we’ll pick up your vehicle at no cost, handle the paperwork, and send the IRS-required acknowledgment after it sells—while your deduction year is based on that crucial pickup date.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your 2-minute New Mexico donation form or call
2 minutesEnter your basic vehicle details and New Mexico pickup address, or call to donate by phone. Tell us you need pickup completed by December 31 for this year’s taxes so we prioritize a year-end slot for you.
Choose a pickup window before December 31
5 minutesAutoLift will confirm available dates Monday–Saturday. To be safe, pick a day at least 3–5 business days before December 31. Your tax year is locked in by the actual pickup date, not your request date.
Prepare your title and remove personal items
10–15 minutesBefore your tow truck arrives anywhere in New Mexico, clear your personal belongings and have the title ready if available. No inspection or repairs are needed—non-running vehicles, flats, and junk cars are welcome.
Free pickup across New Mexico by Dec 31
15–30 minutesOur local tow partner comes to your home, office, storage lot, or apartment complex—whether you’re in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, or smaller towns. Once the vehicle is loaded on the truck by December 31, this tax year’s deduction is secured.
Mail-in tax acknowledgment and Form 1098-C (if applicable)
After vehicle saleAfter Heritage for the Blind sells your vehicle, they mail your written acknowledgment. For vehicles over $500, you’ll receive IRS Form 1098-C. Even if the letter arrives next year, your deduction year stays tied to the pickup date.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Pickup date controls your tax year
For IRS purposes, your donation date is the date AutoLift actually picks up your vehicle for Heritage for the Blind. If it’s picked up on or before December 31, it counts for this tax year—even if you scheduled earlier or later.
Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500
If your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind will issue IRS Form 1098-C. You use this form to substantiate your deduction when you itemize on Schedule A of your federal tax return.
Your deduction is usually the sale price
In most cases, your allowable federal deduction equals the gross sale price of the vehicle at auction or sale. Heritage for the Blind will report this amount on your written acknowledgment and, when applicable, on Form 1098-C.
Receipt can arrive next year and still count
IRS rules allow your written acknowledgment to come after year-end. The key is that the car is picked up by December 31. The tax year for your deduction is locked in by the pickup date, not the mailing date of the receipt.
You must itemize deductions to claim
To benefit from a charitable vehicle donation, you generally must itemize deductions on Schedule A of your federal tax return. Check with your tax advisor to confirm how your New Mexico donation fits your specific situation.