A great way to support and at the same time removes your old vehicle and clears space in your garage.  Donating your car, truck, boat, or even airplane is simple…give us a call and we will make all the arrangements.

What are the benefits of donating my vehicle to La Jolla Music Society?

La Jolla Music Society receives a cash donation to fund its artistic, education, and outreach programs.

You benefit by being able to reduce your taxable income when taxes are itemized. Plus you avoid the costs associated with selling your vehicle. No need to pay for advertising, no loss of privacy and possible security risk, and no need to pay for vehicle registration, insurance, and repairs to keep your vehicle in running condition while you wait for a buyer.

Does my vehicle have to be running to donate it?

In some cases we can take your vehicle, running or not. However, it must have an engine and be towable.

How long will it take to pick up my vehicle?

We make donating your vehicle as simple and convenient as possible. In many cases, vehicles can be picked up within the same week.

Will I get a tax receipt for my donation?

Yes, our driver will issue a receipt at the time of pick-up. This is not your final tax receipt unless the sale of your vehicle does not exceed $500. This initial acknowledgement will indicate your name as well as the year, make, model and condition of the car you are donating. It will be your only receipt if your vehicle sells for less than $500. An IRS Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes will be mailed to you within 30 days of the sale stating the amount of gross proceeds received from your car, provided your vehicle sold for more than $500. This will be your tax receipt for your charitable contribution.

How is the value determined on the vehicle donated?

The value is determined by the gross proceeds raised from the sale of the donated vehicle. You no longer have the burden of determining the value yourself. Instead, you will receive IRS Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes if the proceeds from the sale exceed $500, stating the amount of the gross proceeds from the sale of the donated vehicle. The amount listed on IRS Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes will be the gross proceeds of the deductible donation.

What can I claim as a deduction?

According to the tax law effective January 1, 2005, if the claimed value of the donated vehicle exceeds $500, the taxpayer is limited to the gross proceeds of the sale.

What if my car is valued over $5000?

Effective January 1, 2005, you will no longer be required to have vehicles appraised. The value you may claim will be the amount of gross proceeds received from your vehicle.

To donate your vehicle or for more information, please call Ferdinand Gasang, Development Director, at (858) 459-3724, ext. 204 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

La Jolla Music Society is a non-profit organization classified under the Internal Revenue Service code 501(c)(3).  Federal Tax ID: 23-7148171.  Our mission: To enhance the vitality and deepen the cultural life of San Diego by presenting and producing a dynamic range of performing arts for our increasingly diverse community.