California Boat Donation FAQ's

The California coastline goes on for miles. Such a distance means there are a lot of boats in this beautiful state. All along California, there are thousands of boats sitting in Harbors and marinas not being used. From Lake Tahoe in the north to Lake Elsinore in the south, there are many popular boating lakes in the golden state. 

If you found yourself to be like one of the many California boat owners who are looking for a way to get rid of your boat, a California Boat donation may be right for you. Charitable boat donations are a great way to give back to the community, but the process is not as simple as some may think. With planning, research, and the advice of a trusted tax professional, you can be on your way to making a meaningful impact on the community.

The rewards can be two-fold. The tax deduction you can receive, in most situations, is more than what you would get for it than by selling outright. Make sure you do your homework when choosing a charity. To qualify for a deduction, your chosen charity must be an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) organization, like Giving Center. You may also check its status through IRS Publication 78. Your California boat donation can be a tremendous blessing for many deserving charities.

To maximize the donation benefit you can receive, you will want to claim the FMV (fair market value) of your boat. The FMV is determined by an appraisal from a certified marine surveyor. For boats with a value larger than $5,000, an appraisal is mandatory. To claim the FMV of your boat, the IRS requires the vessel to be retained by the charity for “significant intervening use.” This means you will likely want to find out what your chosen charity’s intentions are for the boat before you make the donation.

Here are some quick faqs for a California boat donation:

Do I need a title to donate my boat in California?

Yes, regardless of boat length, you’ll need a title to donate a boat.

Do I need registration to donate my boat?

Yes, you’ll need your registration to donate any kind of powered boat

Do I need a title to donate my boat trailer?

Yes, you need to have a title to donate a boat trailer in California

Do I need my registration to donate a boat trailer?

Yes, you’ll need registration for your boat trailer

How do I get a new title for my boat or boat trailer?

Visit https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/boatsinfo/boatreg for more information about getting a new title or registration for your boat in California.

Who can I contact about my title and registration?

The DMV is the agency where you can get your boat title and registration. You may contact the DMV of California by visiting http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/fo/offices/toc_fo.htm.