In Montana, the IRS bases your car-donation tax year on the date your vehicle is actually picked up. That means to claim a deduction for this tax year, Big Sky Rides and Heritage for the Blind must physically pick up your car on or before December 31. Calling alone is not enough. Because tow schedules fill fast at year-end, we strongly recommend you schedule your pickup at least 3–5 business days before December 31 so we can secure a slot that qualifies for this year’s deduction.
Big Sky Rides serves donors across Montana – from Billings, Laurel, and Lockwood to Missoula, Lolo, and the Bitterroot; from Great Falls and Black Eagle to Bozeman, Belgrade, Helena, Butte, Kalispell, and the Flathead Valley. We work with Heritage for the Blind, a trusted 501(c)(3), to provide free towing Monday through Saturday – even during the holiday season. We accept most vehicles, including non-running cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans, with no emissions test, inspection, or repairs required. Once your donated vehicle sells, you’ll receive the IRS-required written acknowledgment (Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500). But your deduction year is locked in by the pickup date – so if you want this year’s tax benefit, start your donation now.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2-minute donation form or call
2 minutesShare basic info about your vehicle, your Montana pickup address, and your best contact number. It usually takes about two minutes. Tell us you need a pickup by December 31 so we prioritize a qualifying year-end slot for your tax deduction.
Choose a pickup day before December 31
5 minutesOur dispatch team, operating Monday–Saturday throughout Montana, will review available tow slots in your area and confirm a pickup date. To safely meet the IRS deadline, schedule your pickup at least 3–5 business days before December 31.
Prepare the title and clear access
10–15 minutesLocate your Montana title, remove personal items, and make sure the tow truck can reach the car in your driveway, alley, or lot. Non-running vehicles are fine; just let us know so we send the right equipment for pickup.
Vehicle is picked up – your tax year is locked
Pickup dayOn pickup day, the tow driver collects your signed title (where required) and the vehicle at your Montana location. The pickup date is what the IRS uses to determine which tax year your donation applies to.
Receive your written acknowledgment and tax paperwork
Within weeks after saleAfter Heritage for the Blind sells your donated vehicle, you’ll receive a written acknowledgment by mail. For vehicles sold over $500, you’ll also receive IRS Form 1098-C, which you use with Schedule A to claim your deduction.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Pickup date controls your tax year
The IRS treats the date your car is picked up as your official donation date. To deduct in this tax year, Big Sky Rides must physically pick up your vehicle on or before December 31 in Montana.
Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500
If Heritage for the Blind sells your donated vehicle for more than $500, you’ll receive IRS Form 1098-C. This shows the sale amount and is used to support your charitable vehicle deduction on Schedule A.
Deduction usually equals sale price
In most cases, your allowable deduction is the amount Heritage for the Blind receives when your vehicle is sold, not a price guide estimate. That final sale price is what will appear on your Form 1098-C.
Written acknowledgment within about 30 days of sale
After your vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind mails a written acknowledgment, typically within about 30 days of the sale. Keep this with your tax records as proof of your qualified charitable vehicle donation.
You must itemize on Schedule A
To benefit from a car-donation tax deduction, you generally need to itemize deductions using Schedule A. If you take the standard deduction, a charitable car donation usually will not provide additional tax savings.