How can you help?

To donate any vehicle, please email (brichards@muskegonmission.org) or call Brent Richards at (231) 727.6090 first. To donate a car, van, or truck, here’s what you need to know:

MRM can accept any such vehicle, running or not.

The person who owns the vehicle possesses a clear title and has the keys should be the one who calls.

You may deliver your vehicle to us, or if it is in the Muskegon area, we can arrange to pick up your vehicle.

Vehicles that could not be used for ministry will be sold at auction with proceeds benefiting those MRM serves.

You will receive the kind of receipt you need for a tax deduction.

Tax Deduction Information:

Muskegon Rescue Mission is a qualifying 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and according to the IRS, you can deduct the fair market value of your vehicle when you itemize your deductions.

How do you estimate the fair market value? We are not able to; however, IRS publication 561 offers this advice: Say “the ‘blue book’ value of a car like yours is $1,600 in good condition. However, your car needs extensive repairs. After checking with repair shops and used car dealers, you find that the car should sell for $750. You may use $750 as the FMV of the car.”

There is no limit on how many vehicles you may donate during a year, but if the fair market value of the vehicle(s) is $5000 or greater, you must file the IRS Form 8283 with your tax return.

Here are some links to the Kelly Blue Book and the NADA Guide to get you started.

• Canned green beans
• Canned corn
• Canned pork and beans
• Peanut butter 16 oz.
• Strawberry jelly
• Grape jelly
• Knorr rice & noodle side dishes
• Macaroni and cheese (7 oz. box)
• Canned fruit including;
  • mandarin oranges
  • fruit cocktail
  • pears
  • peaches
  • apple sauce
• Soups including:
  • tomato
  • chicken noodle
  • bean with bacon
  • vegetable beef
  • cream of chicken
• Ramen Noodles (chicken, beef)
• Spaghetti (16 oz.)
• Jiffy Corn Muffin mix

Account number: PP1-214897

DTC number: 0443 – Pershing LLC

Account name: Muskegon Rescue Mission

EIN: 38-3525239

Please be sure to notify us directly of the transfer so we can receipt your donation promptly by providing the following information:

• Your name, address, phone number, and email address
• The name of the stock and number of shares you are donating

Someone who donates real estate that has been held for more than one year is generally entitled to an income tax deduction equal to the full, fair market value of the donated property. In most cases, the donor can avoid the capital gain tax on the appreciated portion of the property that would have been taxable if the property was sold. Estate tax savings as well as avoiding probate are other possible benefits.

Other benefits include:

• Avoid or diminish capital gains tax
• Receive a charitable tax deduction
• Eliminate selling problems
• Simple to transfer ownership
• No real estate broker fees
• Possible income through annuity

As long as you have held the security for longer than 12-months, giving through appreciated securities can be a great way to support the mission and optimize your tax deduction:

Here’s How it Works…

John bought stock 10 years ago for $2,000. The stock has appreciated over the years and is now worth $20,000. John wants to help the poor and homeless in his community and donate the stock directly to the Muskegon Rescue Mission. John got a $20,000 charitable income tax deduction even though he only paid $2,000 for the stock. He avoids paying capital gain tax on the $18,000 of appreciation. The tax avoided could be $3,600 ($18,000 x 20%). Since John transferred the stock directly to the rescue mission, versus selling the stock, he also avoided paying a sales commission to his broker.

There are several ways to transfer stock to the rescue mission. Please be sure to contact us once your transfer has been completed. This is very important, especially if the gift has been transferred electronically to our account or a certificate has been issued in the name of the Muskegon Rescue Mission since your name will not be associated with your donation. We would also like to say “thank you” personally and provide you with an acknowledgment letter for your tax purposes.