Why people donate land
Land you don’t use still sends a tax bill every year, and sometimes association dues and upkeep on top of it. Rural lots and inherited parcels can sit on the market for a long time. If we accept the property, the deed transfers to Veterans Opportunity Program Inc. and those carrying costs stop being yours — and the land goes to work for veterans.
How it works
- Tell us about the land. The form above. A county or parcel number helps, but isn’t required.
- We review it, free. Within a few business days a real person checks the county records — ownership, taxes, and anything recorded against the parcel — and tells you whether it looks like a fit and what we’d need next.
- We prepare the deed. If we both decide to go ahead, we draft the deed and send signing instructions. Every owner of record signs before a notary and mails the original back.
- We record it. We file the deed with the county and send you a written acknowledgment of the gift for your records.
The review creates no obligation on either side. Any transfer depends on what the title, tax, and property records show, and on our approval.
What we look at
- Who is on the deed. Individuals, couples, estates, trusts, and companies can all donate, but the right people have to sign.
- Taxes. Current is simplest. Back taxes generally need to be cleared first.
- Association dues and assessments. Ongoing dues make a parcel harder for us to take on. Tell us the amount.
- Access and condition. Road or legal access, anything dumped on the land, and any known environmental issue.
What happens to donated land
One of three things, and we tell you which before you sign: it is transferred directly to a veteran, held for program use, or sold with the proceeds funding our programs.
About the tax side
Veterans Opportunity Program Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 47-3763471, so a gift of land may qualify for a tax deduction. For property held more than a year the deduction is generally based on fair market value, and deductions over $5,000 require a qualified appraisal that the donor obtains. We’re not tax advisors — please ask yours how the rules apply to you. There is more background on our tax benefits page and on DonateLand.com, our land-donation site.
Have a house or a vehicle instead? Start here.
Land donation questions
What kinds of land do you consider?
Vacant lots, rural acreage, desert and recreational parcels, farmland, and inherited land in any U.S. state. Every parcel is reviewed individually, and we can’t take all of them — if yours isn’t a fit, we tell you plainly and explain why.
Does donating land cost me anything?
We cover deed preparation and recording costs. The one cost that can fall to you is a qualified appraisal, which the IRS requires the donor to obtain if you claim a deduction over $5,000.
Is a land donation tax-deductible?
A gift of land to a 501(c)(3) may qualify for a tax deduction. For property held more than one year, the deduction is generally based on fair market value, and deductions over $5,000 require a qualified appraisal. We are not tax advisors — yours can tell you how the rules apply to your return.
I inherited the land and the deed is still in a relative’s name. Can I still donate it?
Often, yes, but who can sign depends on how the estate was handled — probate, a trust, or neither. Tell us what you know and we will look at the county records and explain what would be needed. Legal questions about the estate are for your attorney.
What if there are back taxes or association dues?
Tell us up front. Back taxes generally need to be cleared before a transfer, and lots with ongoing association dues are harder for us to take on. Neither is an automatic no, and knowing early saves everyone time.
How long does it take?
It depends on the title. One owner, a clear deed, and current taxes is the simple case. Estates, trusts, and multiple owners take longer because more people and documents are involved. We will tell you what your situation looks like after the review.