In case you were wondering, charities do welcome bike donations of all kinds. Non-profit organizations, such as Giving Center, often repair, refurbish and sell generously donated motorcycles so that the proceeds benefit a worthy cause. It makes no difference if you ride a street bike, a hog, a chopper, a crotch rocket, or a Goldwing cruiser. Charities will often be able to accept all makes and models. So, if you are thinking about donating your Yamaha motorcycle, Harley Davidson, Suzuki motorcycle or scooter, Honda moped, Ducati, Kawasaki motorcycle, Indian or any other make or model of motorcycle, reputable charities will be able to generate value … even if it has not been taken out on the road in years.
People donate motorcycles for many different reasons. Perhaps you racked up many happy miles and wonderful memories, however, now you are ready for something bigger, smaller, or just something different! For some people, the thrill of the ride has come and gone.
Whatever your particular situation, if you have found yourself with a motorcycle that is gathering dust in your garage or yard, consider putting it to good use by making a motorcycle donation to a cause you care about.
How Do I Donate a motorcycle?
Charities, like Giving Center, are constantly making the donation process is easier and easier for donors. If you are ready to donate your bike, do a bit of homework to find a charitable mission that you care about. Most reputable charities have websites now that will give you all the information you may need to be able to make an informed decision on where and how to donate.
Many charities have convenient online forms you can fill out to get the ball rolling, this simple form will enable you to convey the basic information needed to get started on your vehicle donation. You do not need to have your registration or VIN or license plate info on hand in order to get started.
If you like to talk to a representative, a phone number is usually also provided. Once the charity has decided if they are able to take on your motorcycle donation, should arrange for a convenient pickup schedule. When it's time for the pickup, make sure you have your title in hand for the representative.
Also, make sure you are donating your motorcycle directly to the charity and not a third party transporter that may eat up some of the proceeds a charity can collect from your donation.
Giving Center, for example, has their own teams of representatives that are able to tow away your motorcycle at no cost to you. Ask your chosen charity about their collection process.
What happens when you decide to donate a motorcycle?
• First, your chosen charity will work with you to on arranging a convenient pickup time and location that works for you.
• After your motorcycle is collected, charities will go to work with the DMV to release you of all liability and to process any other related paperwork.
• Your chosen charity may evaluate what improvements can be made to your donated motorcycle, scooter, or moped, in order to create maximum value for you and your charity. Then, they typically clean and detail your bike, and take photos that spotlight your donation. This builds great confidence in prospective future owners.
• Generally your motorcycle will be sent to market, and charities will work to get the highest amount for your charitable donation. The improvements and detail of your motorcycle usually produce much more favorable results for both donors and charities.
Is there a motorcycle donation tax deduction?
Your motorcycle donation is tax-deductible when you donate to an IRS certified 501(c)(3) organization, like Giving Center. If you would like a tax deduction, make sure you are donating to these types of charities in order to receive the maximum possible tax deduction for your donation. Don’t like burying yourself with paperwork? Most charities will save you time by doing all the necessary paperwork.
You should be provided with an initial receipt when your bike is picked up, followed by the IRS Form 1098-C when it’s sold. This will show the actual sale price that you can use as your deduction. This form enables you to deduct your motorcycle donation’s full value from your taxes.
Of course, your individual situation may vary. A trusted accountant can answer any questions, and IRS guidance is just a click away.
Why should you donate my old bike?
Motorcycles are both fun to own and drive. However, the majority of individuals who own a motorcycle rarely have time to use them after a while. If you are in that situation — paying registration fees, insurance, and maintenance costs — consider a motorcycle donation.
Your motorcycle donation can help communities and those less fortunate. Nothing is better than knowing your charitable donation will help make life better for those in your community.
Giving Center will also accept your car donation, truck donation, RV donation, and much more.
