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Vehicle Donation Program Information

Beginning in 2005, various tax benefits will be offered as part of several vehicle donation programs. The type of tax benefit and starting date that the tax benefit is available depends on which program you participate in.
       
 donors Organizations recipients
  
Useful Information at a Glance

   Comparison of Michigan Vehicle Donation Programs

  MI Charitable Organization Vehicle Donation Program (PA301, 302, 312, 313)Beginning January 1, 2005 MI Church or House of Worship Vehicle Donation Program (PA 435) Beginning October 1, 2005
Income Tax Credit for Donor on Michigan Return Up To $50/$100 Tax Credit For Single/Joint Filers Meeting Criteria None
SBT Tax Credit for Donor on Michigan Return Up To $100 SBT Credit For Businesses Donating Vehicles None
Eligible Vehicles Automobile Inspected By Certified Mechanic Motor Vehicle (Auto, Motorcycle, Etc.)
Recipient Certified as Eligible by DHS or a Charitable Organization Must be Certified as Eligible by Church or House of Worship
Organizations Administering Program IRC 501(c) (3); AND Registered with Attorney General as a Charitable Organization AND Certified by MI Department of Treasury Regularly Organized Church or House of Religious Worship as Defined by IRC 501 (c) (3)
Use Tax Exemption for Recipient Yes Yes
Sales Tax Exemption for Organization's Transferred Vehicle to the Recipient Yes Not Applicable
  
Donors of Automobiles to a Charitable Organization
Beginning January 1, 2005, donors may claim a nonrefundable Michigan tax credit for the donation of an automobile to a charitable organization if the auto is transferred to an individual for employment purposes.

Donors must receive the Donor Tax Credit Certificate for Donated Vehicle form from a certified charitable organization to claim the credit.

A tax credit equal to 50% of the fair market value of the automobile (as determined by the charitable organization or the National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA) guidebook) or up to $50 for a return filed by a single person (up to $100 for joint return), - Whichever is Smaller. 2005 List of Qualified Charitable Organizations
  
Donors of Motor Vehicles to Churches or Houses of Religious Worship
A Michigan tax credit is NOT available for donors of motor vehicles to churches or houses of religious worship even if the vehicle is intended for use by a qualified recipient.
  

Charitable Organizations

Beginning January 1, 2005, charitable organizations may apply to the Michigan Department of Treasury for certification of a program to provide automobiles to qualified recipients for employment purposes.

Certified charitable organizations are exempt from sales tax and the qualified recipients are exempt from use tax upon the transfer of the automobile.

Donors of automobiles to certified charitable organizations may claim a tax of up to $50 against income tax for a return filed by a single filer, up to $100 if married filling jointly and up to $100 against the Single Business Tax.

Applications for charitable organization certification must be received by June 30th to be eligible for certification for that calendar year. Applications received after June 30th will be reviewed for certification for the following calendar year.

Applications can be obtained from :
    Technical Services Division
    Michigan Department of Treasury
    Lansing, MI 48922
    517-636-4230
  
Churches or Houses of Religious Worship - Certification of Qualified Recipients
Churches and houses of religious worship can certify qualified recipients for donated motor vehicles. Qualified recipients are exempt from the use tax when vehicles are transferred to them.  

Churches or houses of religious worship will provide the qualified recipients with a certificate of use tax exemption along with the vehicle transfer documents.

Beginning October 1, 2005, employment and income requirements change. The new standard will require qualified recipient(s) to be below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. These requirements are listed on Form 4288, Tax Exemption Certificate for Donated Motor Vehicle.
  

Recipients of Donated Vehicles Received from a Charitable Organization or the Department of Human Services (DHS)

A qualified person who receives an automobile from the Department of Human Services or a certified charitable organization is exempt from the Use tax. Qualified recipients must satisfy certain employment and income requirements. Visit the Department of Human Services (DHS) website for more information and a list of county DHS offices.
  
Recipients of Donated Motor Vehicles Received from a Church or House of Religious Worship
A qualified recipient who receives a motor vehicle from a church or house of religious worship is exempt from the Use tax. The requirements for certification change depending on the date you receive the motor vehicle. 

Beginning October 1, 2005 employment and income requirements change. The new standard will require qualified recipient(s) to be below 200% of the federal poverty level guidelines. These requirements are listed on Form 4288, Tax Exemption Certificate for Donated Motor Vehicle.
  

Other Helpful Information

- Individual Income Tax Information
- Contact Treasury
- View Federal Income Tax Deduction information at www.irs.gov, in the search enter the key word "car donation".
- For more information on the Vehicle Donation Credit

 

 

 

 

 


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