At Steel City Wheels, we recognize that donating your vehicle can come with doubts. It’s completely natural to wonder about what truly happens after you make a donation. The journey of your car is significant not just for you, but for the community we serve.
This page outlines the entire process, ensuring you know exactly how we handle your vehicle, from the moment we pick it up to when you receive your tax receipt. Transparency and trust are at the heart of what we do; our commitment is to inform you every step of the way.
✓Key facts you can verify
- Steel City Wheels is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity.
- Your donation is tax-deductible based on the actual sale price or fair market value.
- We provide a 1098-C receipt for tax purposes within 30 days of the sale.
- All vehicles are inspected and verified before auction listing.
- Public records on our transparency can be accessed via IRS pub78 and Form 990.
- We are overseen by the Pennsylvania Attorney General for consumer protection.
How it works, step by step
Pickup (Day 0)
Your vehicle is picked up at your convenience, and you receive a donation confirmation. Our team ensures the process is smooth and stress-free.
Transport to Auction Lot (Days 0-5)
After pickup, your vehicle is transported to our secure auction lot, where it will be kept safe until it undergoes the next steps of inspection and verification.
Inspection + Title Verification (Days 3-10)
Within 3 to 10 days, we conduct a thorough inspection and verify the title. This step ensures all legal requirements are met before the vehicle is auctioned.
Auction Listing (Days 7-21)
Your vehicle is listed for auction between days 7 and 21. We promote it effectively to maximize its sale potential and benefit for our programs.
Sale (Days 14-45)
The auction sale typically occurs between days 14 and 45. We strive to achieve the best possible price for each vehicle sold.
Proceeds Distribution (Days 30-60)
After the sale, proceeds are distributed to support our community programs, usually within 30 to 60 days from the sale date.
1098-C Receipt Mailed (Days 30-60)
You will receive your IRS Form 1098-C, documenting your tax-deductible donation, within 30 days of the sale, ensuring you can file with your tax return.
Verify it yourself
✓ Verify Our IRS Status
How: You can look up Steel City Wheels on the IRS pub78 website to confirm our 501(c)(3) status and ensure your donation is tax-deductible.
✓ Check Charity Ratings
How: Visit Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau to see our ratings and reviews, reflecting our commitment to transparency and accountability.
✓ Verify State Registration
How: In Pennsylvania, you can check our registration status with the State Attorney General's Office, which oversees charitable organizations for compliance.
✓ Access Form 990
How: Our Form 990, which provides details about our finances and operations, is accessible through various nonprofit databases, including GuideStar.
Real impact, real numbers
Your donations directly impact lives in the Pittsburgh community. For example, in the past year, we provided over 200 families with reliable transportation assistance, valued at more than $150,000. This support not only helps individuals get to work and school but also drives local economic growth, proving how vital your donation is.
Pittsburgh oversight
Pittsburgh residents can feel secure in their charitable contributions, with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office actively overseeing non-profits. Steel City Wheels is fully compliant with state regulations, ensuring your donations are used effectively. The local consumer protection resources are also available for any inquiries or concerns about charitable organizations in Pennsylvania.