Item Donation FAQs

Please read through the frequently asked questions below to learn about pick-up and drop-off information, tax implications, donation requirements and processes, title requirements and transportation needs.

  • Q: Will I receive a tax benefit for my donation?
    A: 
    For vehicle, boat, and airplane donations, you may claim the fair market value (private party) up to $500 or the amount Rawhide is able to sell your donation for, whichever is greater. For all other in-kind donations you may deduct the fair market value.

    If you do not itemize and do not claim a tax deduction from your donation, the proceeds from your donated item will still help the at-risk teenage boys at Rawhide.

    Learn more about determining fair market value.
  • Q: Will Rawhide provide an appraisal or valuation of my car donation?
    A: 
    Rawhide and businesses serving as Donor Service Centers (because they are acting as agents of Rawhide) are discouraged from providing appraisals or valuations on donated vehicles. There is a potential conflict of interest in our assessing a value on a gift that we are receiving. According to the current tax law, you must provide an appraisal if the item is valued at $5,000 or more. Always consult a professional tax advisor in order to determine if your donation will need to have an appraisal.
  • Q: Can you give me an estimate of what the vehicle will be sold for?
    A: 
    Rawhide can provide a range of what your donation may be sold for based on local, regional, and national historical averages. The actual amount your donation will be sold for will depend on the year, make, model, condition, current used car wholesale market trends, and the general state of the economy.

    Rawhide does not guarantee the amount we will be able to sell your donation for. For more detailed information, please contact one of our Donor Service Representatives at 1-800-729-4433.
  • Q: Will Rawhide be able to sell my vehicle in time to file my taxes?
    A: 
    This only applies to donors who have donated a car, boat, airplane, or other item and intend to claim more than $500 for the donation. The IRS allows you to deduct fair market value (private party) up to $500. If you hope to claim more than $500 you can only deduct what the donation actually sells for.

    In order to take advantage of current market trends, Rawhide may hold your donation until we are able to sell it for a higher price. We do not promise or guarantee what the final selling price will be. We will try to maximize the revenue we are able to generate based on the year, make, model, and condition of your donation.

    Historically, Rawhide has sold the majority of donations within a 90-day period. If you make your donation toward the end of the year, we will do our best to sell your donation by the end of March of the following year.

    Please keep in mind that if your donation is not sold that your deduction must occur within the year that the item was donated, not the year that it sells.

    If, for some reason, Rawhide does not sell your donation in time for you to file your taxes, you can deduct up to $500 and then either amend or extend your taxes in order to take advantage of a potentially higher selling price.
  • Q: Do the repairs you make affect my tax deduction?
    A: 
    If we make a significant repair to your donation, you will receive a letter indicating repairs were made and you will be able to claim the private party value of your vehicle/boat at the time the donation was made (not to exceed $5,000 without an appraisal). Rawhide does not make repairs on all items. A decision to repair a vehicle, boat or other donated item would only be made if it would provide a significant return to benefit the young men at Rawhide.

    The decision to make repairs lies solely with Rawhide.
  • Q: Will Rawhide accept my car without a title?
    A: 
    No. Rawhide can only accept a vehicle with a title from the last registered owner of the vehicle. If you are not the last registered owner and would like to donate the vehicle, you will need to register as the new owner with the Department of Motor Vehicles. If you lost your title, you may obtain a duplicate title at your local Motor Vehicle Department
  • Q: Can I donate a vehicle that still has a lien on it even though it has been paid off?
    A: 
    Technically, the lien holder is still the owner of the vehicle. Before donating your vehicle, you will need to obtain a lien satisfaction (release) from the lender shown on the face of the title. Please provide Rawhide with the original lien release (not a copy). The Department of Motor Vehicles will not accept copies of lien releases and as a result we would not be able to sell your vehicle.
  • Q: My vehicle is titled in another person's name. Can I still receive the tax benefit?
    A: 
    No, to donate a vehicle and be eligible for any resulting tax benefits, the title needs to be in your name. Rawhide can only acknowledge the person named on the title as the donor. Legally you cannot donate a vehicle you do not own. You must have your donation registered in your name in order to claim the vehicle donation as a tax deduction. You can register your vehicle in your name at your local Department of Motor Vehicles office. We encourage you to consult with your tax advisor or accountant for specific tax advice.
  • Q: Can Rawhide pick up my donation?
    A: 
    Rawhide offers over 250 convenient places to bring your car throughout Wisconsin and Illinois allowing you to donate on the same day you complete the online Donation Questionnaire or on the day you call.

    However, if you are unable to bring your donation to a local drop-off location you may make a request to see if Rawhide can pick up your donation at an individual location at no cost to you. To request an individual pick up please call 1-800-729-4433, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Q: My tires are new; can I take them off when I drop off my car?
    A: 
    Your donated vehicle must have four rolling tires when it is donated to ensure the vehicle can be moved. If you want to keep your new tires, you will need to replace them with other tires before we pick up your vehicle or before you bring your vehicle to a Donor Service Center. Rawhide is not able to transport a vehicle without four rolling tires.
  • Q: Can I keep the new battery from my car?
    A: 
    Although we accept non-running vehicles, we would prefer a working battery if your vehicle runs and drives. This will help Rawhide and the Donor Service Centers start your vehicle when it needs to be moved or transported.
  • Q: What does Rawhide do with the donated vehicles?
    A: 
    Rawhide evaluates all donations. Some items are used directly by Rawhide but most are used as part of the Work Experience Program to provide vocational training for students in our programs. Job trainers work with the young men to assess, detail, and occasionally do minor mechanical repair work on the vehicles. The donations are then sold at wholesale dealer-only auctions.
  • Q: How can I be sure that Rawhide receives my donation?
    A: 
    You will be given a temporary receipt at the Donor Service Center or by one of our Donor Service Representatives when you drop your vehicle off. After your donation arrives at Rawhide we will send you an official acknowledgment. If you do not receive a receipt, please call us and we will gladly send you another one. If you have any concerns that your donation has not been handled properly, please call Rawhide Customer Service immediately at 1-800-729-4433.

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