Q&A: What are the pros/cons of either donating a car to charity or giving a car as a gift to a family member?

Question asked byAaron: What are the pros/cons of either donating a car to charity or giving a car as a gift to a family member?
I have recently replaced a car that isn’t worth much and I’m considering either gifting it to a family member (either my brother of his son (15 yrs old) or donating a car to charity. I have found on the net a charity that gives a 0 dollar tax write off for a car, can I get a similar write off by gifting the car to a family member? I would really appreciate information with links, thank you so much.

Replies:

Answer by Sulaiman A
I think if you give it to a charity, depending on the coutnry you live in, it can be tax deductable.

But if you give it to a family member, he will appreciate you forever. Personally if it is not a big amount, I would give it to a needy family member.

Tax deduction is only for one year, a wreck for a younger brother or son is forever (or at least till he sell it)!

Answer by Laura
If you donate it to charity you will be helping others, plus you will get the tax advantage

If you give it to a family member and it breaks down, they might expect you to pay for the repairs or they might resent you for the problems. I guess it depends on the kind of person the family member that your giving it to is.

I don’t think you can get a write-off for giving it to a family member (they are not a charity) plus the family member would have to claim it as income on their taxes.