We recognize that donating your car can feel daunting, with concerns about where your vehicle goes and how you’ll benefit. At Island Wheels, we're dedicated to ensuring that every step of the process is clear and transparent, alleviating any skepticism you may have.
This page walks you through the entire timeline of what happens after your donation, from the moment we pick up your vehicle to the tax receipt in your hands. We strive to maintain transparency as a standard, providing you with the information you need to feel confident in your charitable decision.
✓Key facts you can verify
- Island Wheels is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity.
- Donors can claim actual sale price for auctioned vehicles.
- Fair Market Value deductions are available for vehicles used in charity programs.
- We provide 1098-C receipts within 30 days of vehicle sale.
- Donors can verify our status via IRS pub78 lookup.
- Our financial activities are publicly available in Form 990.
- We are registered with the Hawaii Attorney General’s office.
How it works, step by step
Pickup (Day 0)
Once you confirm your donation, we schedule a convenient pickup time. Our team will collect your vehicle, ensuring a hassle-free experience for you.
Transport to Auction Lot (Day 0-5)
After pickup, your vehicle is safely transported to our auction lot. This process occurs within the first five days to ensure timely handling.
Inspection + Title Verification (Day 3-10)
Your vehicle undergoes a thorough inspection and title verification within 10 days. This step ensures that all paperwork is in order before proceeding to auction.
Auction Listing (Day 7-21)
Following the inspection, your vehicle is listed for auction. This listing typically occurs within 21 days, ensuring maximum visibility and potential sale.
Sale (Day 14-45)
The sale of your vehicle usually occurs between 14 and 45 days after listing. Proceeds from the sale are then directed to support our community programs.
Proceeds Distribution (Day 30-60)
Once your vehicle is sold, proceeds are distributed for our programs. This occurs within 30 to 60 days, furthering our mission to assist those in need.
1098-C Receipt Mailed (Day 30-60)
You will receive your 1098-C tax receipt within 30 days of the sale, detailing your deductions so you can file your taxes accurately.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS Public 78 Lookup
How: You can verify our 501(c)(3) status through the IRS Public 78 website. Simply enter our organization name to confirm our legitimacy.
✓ Charity Navigator Search
How: Visit Charity Navigator to check our ratings and reviews. This site provides insights into our financial health and accountability.
✓ Attorney General Registry
How: Consult the Hawaii Attorney General’s office registry to confirm our registration and compliance with state-level regulations for charities.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: You can obtain our Form 990 from the IRS website, which outlines our financial activities and ensures transparency in our operations.
✓ Better Business Bureau Status
How: Check our status on the Better Business Bureau website, where you can see our ratings and any customer feedback regarding our services.
Real impact, real numbers
Last year, Island Wheels sold 120 donated vehicles, generating over $120,000 in proceeds. These funds provided transportation assistance to more than 300 low-income families in Hawaii, enabling them to access jobs and healthcare. Every donation directly contributes to our mission of improving lives in our community.
Hawaii oversight
As a Hawaii-based charity, we adhere to state regulations and are registered with the Hawaii Attorney General's office. If you have concerns, you can file a complaint with the AG or access local consumer protection resources to ensure your rights as a donor are upheld. Your trust is paramount to us.