Here’s the bottom line for Greater Houston: for your car donation to count for this tax year, the pickup must be completed by December 31. With Lone Star Wheels, powered by Heritage for the Blind, we schedule Monday–Saturday all year, including Christmas week, and in most Houston metro areas can pick up your vehicle same-day or next-day when you contact us before early afternoon on weekdays. To guarantee a December 31 pickup window, call or submit our 2-minute form by December 27–28. Your title must be signed, and your tow is always free—running or not.
We’re truly local to Greater Houston—whether you’re in Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Pearland, Pasadena, Cypress, Spring Branch, Midtown, the Heights, or up and down I-45 and Beltway 8. Lone Star Wheels handles every detail so you can beat the year-end deadline without stress. You’ll receive a tax receipt from Heritage for the Blind (a 501(c)(3)), and your donation helps support services for people who are blind or visually impaired. If you’re looking at the calendar in late November or December and wondering, “Can I still get this done in time?”—yes, you can, but the clock is ticking. Start now to lock in your pickup and your deduction.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start your donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesCall Lone Star Wheels or complete our quick online form in about two minutes. Have your vehicle info and Houston pickup address ready. We’ll confirm basic details and verify that you have the title so we can move straight to scheduling before the year-end rush.
Lock in your Houston pickup date
5 minutesTell us your ideal pickup day and time window. In most Greater Houston neighborhoods, we can schedule same-day or next-day Monday–Saturday if you contact us before early afternoon. To be safe, reach out by Dec 27–28 to guarantee a Dec 31 slot.
Prepare your signed title and keys
10 minutesBefore your tow truck arrives, sign your Texas vehicle title and gather your keys. No repairs, inspection, or cleaning required. Our Houston-area driver will guide you on any quick paperwork so your donation is valid and the tax deduction is clearly documented.
Free tow anywhere in Greater Houston
Varies by locationOur professional towing partner comes to your home, office, or shop—from Baytown to Richmond, League City to Tomball. The tow is always free, whether your car runs, is damaged, or has been sitting for years. Pickup must be completed by Dec 31 for this year’s deduction.
Receive your tax receipt from Heritage for the Blind
Within 30 days of saleAfter your vehicle is sold, you’ll receive a tax receipt from Heritage for the Blind, a registered 501(c)(3). Keep this receipt with your records for tax filing. Deductions over certain amounts typically use IRS Form 1098-C when you itemize on Schedule A.
Year-end tax deduction facts
December 31 controls your tax year
For IRS purposes, your car donation counts in the year when the charity actually takes possession of the vehicle. That means your Houston pickup must be completed by December 31 to claim the deduction on this year’s return.
How your deduction amount is set
Generally, your deduction equals the gross sale price the charity receives for your vehicle, not the blue-book value. Lone Star Wheels handles the sale process and Heritage for the Blind reports the sale price on your tax acknowledgment.
Form 1098-C for larger deductions
When your car donation qualifies for a larger deduction, the IRS typically requires Form 1098-C from the charity. Heritage for the Blind will provide the proper documentation so you or your tax preparer can attach it to your return if needed.
Itemizing on Schedule A
To benefit from a charitable car donation deduction, you generally must itemize deductions on Schedule A of your federal tax return. If you take the standard deduction, ask your tax professional how a vehicle donation fits into your situation.
30-day receipt timeline
After your donated vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind will send a written acknowledgment, often within about 30 days of sale. This document shows the sale amount and is what you’ll rely on to support your deduction if the IRS ever asks.