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• Make sure it's a real charity. Watch out for names that are close to those of familiar organizations. Check that the charity is qualified for deductible contributions. You can do that at www.guidestar.org or by going to www.irs.gov and searching for Publication 78.

• Talk directly to the charity. If you respond to an ad, you may fall in with a bogus charity or a profit-driven organization. Ask how the car will be used. If it will be sold, ask what portion of the proceeds will go to the charity.

• Check the rules. For a new IRS booklet on the subject, go to www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/pub4303.pdf.

• Itemize your deductions. If you take the standard deduction, you can't claim a charitable deduction.

• Calculate fair market value. You may read that you can always claim the full values listed in car buyer guides, no matter what shape your car is in. Don't believe it. For detailed instructions, go to www.irs.gov and search for Publication 526, Charitable Deductions, and Publication 561, Determining the Value of Donated Property.

• Document your contribution. Get a receipt from the charity, especially if you value the car at more than $250. It's a good idea to take a photograph of the car. Make sure the car title is transferred to the charity's name and keep a copy of this record. If you rely on newspaper ads to help determine a value, keep a copy of those ads.

• Read more "Bank on Hank" columns