First off, why would you? Transportation is important, obviously. Many would look at that article title and drop their jaw to the floor. It does happen, though: just take a look, for instance, at the non-profit organization Kars for Kids.

This is how you donate your car. There are a number of things to remember. For one, the car you’re donating can’t be a car that you were using primarily for sales, such as in a used car lot. If the charity organization ends up selling your car, your tax deduction can’t exceed the gross proceeds of that sale. It’s important to understand that you can deduct either $500 or the fair market value—whichever is lower—if the vehicle sells for $500 or less.

As part of your tax deduction, record keeping is important; the charity must provide in writing proof that you’ve donated as well as a statement saying you received no goods or services in return. If the charity’s policy is that you be awarded a certain kind of prize that implies a specific religious benefit for your donation, it must be put in writing for the IRS.

The one requirement you need to apply a donation such as a car as a tax deduction is the fact that you need to qualify for the standard deduction, meaning your deductions can’t exceed half of your adjusted gross income. If you qualify for the standard deduction on your taxes, the only way to claim a deduction for your car is to itemize it, which simply means listing each item you deduct, one after the other.

Your tax return benefits in a huge way if you do that. However, be sure you somehow get another form of transportation or just change for the bus! Otherwise, be thankful that you’ve helped out with whatever charity you choose. You can rest assured that your car would come to good use.