Donate A Car

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg accepts donations of titled vehicles, i.e., cars, trucks, boats and trailers. Donors receive a tax deduction while helping people in need. Catholic Charities has a contractual arrangement with PIAA (Pittsburgh International Auto Auction) (previously known as D-A Auto Auction) to provide all services necessary to make the donation simple and easy.

1. Contact Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg at 724-837-1840
2. Have the following information
   1. Make, model and year of vehicle
   2. Vehicle mileage
   3. Vehicle condition
   4. Name, address and phone number of registered owner
   5. VIN number
3. Catholic Charities’ Director of Development will be happy to walk you through the rest of the process.

• The signed bill of sale, power of attorney and title, along with the keys must be with the item at the time of pick up, which is arranged by PIAA.

• For donations over $5,000:
  • For donated property with a value of more than $5,000, the IRS requires an inspection by an independent appraiser. If you intend to declare a value over $5,000 for the donated item, PIAA will arrange for an appraisal at no charge or obligation to you. Before your item is picked up, you will be advised of the assigned tax-deductible value.
  • You must itemize your tax deductions to take advantage of this donation as a tax write-off. Consult your tax professional if you have any questions about how this donation will benefit you.

• You must have the original title. We can only accept vehicles for donation with an original title signed by the registered owner.

• Altered title: If there is any additional writing or information on the title, you must obtain a replacement. The title can only be signed by the registered owner. No other names or information can appear on the title. If you are not the original owner and your name appears on the title, you must obtain a title in your name. If you are not the registered owner of the item and are taking a tax deduction for this donation, you should contact your tax advisor on how to proceed. Only the name and signature of the registered owner can be on the title.

• Donor’s liability: Your liability for the  item extends until it is picked up. Catholic Charities and/or its agents are not responsible for any theft, damage, vandalism, moving or parking violations, registration fees, late charges, impounds, storage charges, liens, etc., prior to the time the vehicle is picked up.

• Registration: The donor is responsible for the registration of the item until it is picked up. If the registration has expired, a vehicle may be ticketed or impounded if parked on a public street. The state may attach the donor’s wages, bank account, or other assets to recover the fees.

• Please use IRS Publication 526, Contributions of Property, which outlines how one should determine the fair market value for donated property as a guideline in assessing the fair market value of the donated item in the event the donor itemizes deductions on a tax return.

• Determining Fair Market Value: Fair market value is the price at which property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither having to buy or sell, and both having reasonable knowledge of all the relevant facts.
  
  
• Cars, boats, and aircraft: If you contribute a car, boat, or aircraft to a charitable organization, you must determine its fair market value.