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When you contemplate buying a car (whether it's previously owned or new), you're faced with the decision of what to do with your old car. Often, trading it in means receiving only a fraction of its value. Selling it through an ad in the newspaper or online is a hassle. Not only do you have to pay for the advertisement, but you also have to endure questions from potential buyers and make yourself available to people who want to view the car or take it for a test drive. In addition, you assume financial risks, in that the buyer may present you with, for example, a fraudulent check.

Increasingly, car owners are choosing to donate their older cars to charity. The process involved in a car donation is straightforward, and gives the car owner the satisfaction of knowing that they are helping those in need. Often, the tax benefit afforded the car owner as the result of an auto donation exceeds the benefit of the outright sale of the vehicle.

A variety of charities are embracing car donation as a way to support the important and valuable work they do to help adults and children who are less fortunate. Many charities have seen donations fall off, as donors instead have contributed to disaster relief, such as efforts triggered by the tsunami in Asia or by Hurricane Katrina. When you donate your car to charity, you are providing worthy organizations with much-needed support.

Many of these organizations provide services internationally to people in need. Often, a car donation can go far in helping those who are most in need. You can be sure that your auto donation has a significant impact when it is used to help the over three billion people in the world who live on a meager $2 per day.

Your car donation can help a cause you care about and help you reap the tax benefits of auto donation. Whether your car is barely used or barely runs, you can still help those in need and list the contribution on your tax return. Although you should check with your tax preparer, you can typically deduct the full amount that the charity receives for your car or $500, whichever is more.

When you decide to donate your car, the process is easy. For example, Donate Car for Charity (www.donate-car-for-charity.com) lists five simple steps you can take to make a difference in the lives of those who need the services that charities can provide. In essence, they will help you determine the value of your car donation, and all you have to do is complete an auto donation form, provide the vehicle title, and arrange for your car to be picked up at no charge. Then, you can reap the tax benefit from your car donation, and feel the satisfaction that comes with knowing that you have made a difference in the lives of others.