What we need from the estate
- Title or registration for the boat, trailer, and any separately titled outboard
- Letters testamentary or letters of administration
- The executor's signature on the title or bill of sale
- Where the boat is and who can grant access
Tax paperwork
When the estate is the donor, we issue Form 1098-C to the estate using the estate's taxpayer identification number. If the boat is distributed to an heir first, the heir is the donor.
Boats in other states
Estates often include a boat kept at a vacation home or a marina in another state. We coordinate pickup where the boat is, and the title transfer follows the state where the boat is titled.
Why boats are hard to settle
Boats need storage, insurance, and upkeep while an estate is open, and they are harder to sell than cars. Every month adds cost. Donation lets the estate close the item quickly and document the value on Form 1098-C.
Documentation for the file
We provide a written acknowledgment at pickup and Form 1098-C after the sale, showing the date of contribution and gross proceeds. These go in the estate file.
Multiple assets
If the estate also includes vehicles, real estate, collectibles, or computers, Giving Center's sister programs can handle them. One contact can coordinate the whole estate.
Questions
Can the executor sign without court approval?
It depends on the executor's authority and the state. Many executors can sign with their letters of appointment alone.
How long does it take?
Once paperwork is in order, pickup is usually a matter of days to a couple of weeks.
Can you take more than the boat?
Our sister programs accept vehicles, real estate, collectibles, and more. One call can cover the estate's other assets.
Can the estate choose the charity?
The estate donates to Giving Center. The will or heirs may have other wishes, which the executor should follow.
Can you speak with the estate attorney?
Yes, with the executor's permission.