Deciding what to do
Repair, junk, donate or part it out? Plus scams, towing, insurance and taxes.
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Catalytic converters and junk cars Why the catalytic converter affects a junk car's value, why removing it to sell is risky, and how Texas and California laws limit used converter sales. -
Do you pay taxes when you sell a junk car? Do you pay tax when you junk or sell a car? IRS rules on personal-use cars: losses aren't deductible, gains are taxable, and what to do with a Form 1099-K. -
How junkyards price cars Junkyard offers depend on scrap prices, reusable parts, the catalytic converter, completeness, paperwork and towing. How each one moves the price. -
How to cancel insurance and registration after selling your car The right order after selling or junking a car: file your release of liability, deal with the plates, then cancel insurance. With CA, TX and NY examples. -
How to prepare your car for the junkyard What to do before a junk car is towed: find the title, remove belongings and plates, clear personal data and garage codes, cancel services, file paperwork. -
Junk car scams and how to avoid them Common junk car scams: price cuts at pickup, open-title requests, fake checks, upfront fees and unlicensed buyers, and how to avoid each one. -
Junk car towing: what to ask before pickup Is towing included in your junk car offer? Questions to ask about fees, timing, access and whether you need to be there, plus what to check at pickup. -
Junk or donate your car: which leaves you better off? When donating a car beats selling it for cash. How the IRS limits the deduction to the charity's sale price, the $500 rule, and Forms 1098-C and 8283. -
Should you junk or repair your car? Compare a written repair estimate with what the car is worth fixed and as-is. A step-by-step method for deciding whether to repair or junk a car. -
Should you sell your car for parts or whole? Parting out a car can earn more, but takes tools, space, time and paperwork. How to decide, what sells, and the title and converter rules that apply.