With all the fantastic charities out there, it's easy to want to help them all. One way in which people are stepping up to help those who help others is by donating their unwanted vehicles to their favorite charitable organizations. What most people don't realize, however, is that it's not just the usual family vehicles and personal cars that are being accepted, but motor homes as well. People who have an old or unwanted recreational vehicle and wish to help those in need may want to consider donating their RV to a charitable organization before they sell it or take it to the dump.
Aside from helping out a great charity, there are other, more practical benefits to donating an RV. For one thing, many charities will haul away any vehicle for free. Considering the cost of towing, this can save you a lot of money. Next, owners may be able to get a larger tax break from donating than from selling, as the value is sometimes calculated differently. However, it may also turn out to be less, so potential donors should be sure to check with their charity of choice about how they calculate the potential value of a donated vehicle.
Before an RV is donated, take a few things into account. First, does the vehicle run? Some charities only take working RVs, while others accept all sorts of vehicles and will do the restoration work themselves. Next, make sure the charity is a recognized nonprofit organization, as only donations to these will be eligible for a tax deduction. Finally, all personal items should be cleared from the RV before it's taken away. Often, the multiple cargo compartments or cabinets of the vehicle may contain assorted dishes, canned food or other sundries that people tend to forget.
More than anything, RV owners should consult closely with their favorite charity before they donate their vehicle to work out the important logistics and tax donation information.