Property Donation Tax Benefits
Maximize your tax savings while helping veterans. Learn how donating land or real estate to our 501(c)(3) charity can save you tens of thousands in taxes.
The Double Tax Advantage
When you donate land, homes, or commercial property to our qualified 501(c)(3) veterans charity, you benefit twice: avoid capital gains taxes AND receive a full fair market value charitable deduction.
Benefit #1: Avoid Capital Gains Tax
When you donate appreciated property instead of selling it, you eliminate capital gains taxes entirely. This alone can save you up to 20% of your property's appreciation value.
Example Savings:
Property purchased for $50,000, now worth $200,000
Capital gains tax avoided: $30,000
Benefit #2: Full Market Value Deduction
Deduct the full fair market value of your donated property (up to 30% of your adjusted gross income per year). Unused deductions carry forward for five additional years.
Example Deduction:
$200,000 property, 37% tax bracket
Income tax savings: $69,700
Combined Tax Benefit
$200,000 Property Donation
in total tax savings (capital gains + income tax deduction)
Your actual cost to donate: Only $100,300 for a $200,000 contribution!
How to Claim Your Tax Benefits
Simple steps to maximize your property donation tax deduction
Contact Us to Donate
Reach out to Veterans Opportunity Program to discuss your land or property donation. We accept vacant land, residential homes, commercial buildings, farmland, and more.
Obtain a Qualified Appraisal
For property donations valued over $5,000, the IRS requires a qualified appraisal conducted by a certified appraiser. We can provide referrals to qualified appraisers familiar with charitable donation requirements.
Complete the Deed Transfer
We'll work with you to transfer the property title to Veterans Opportunity Program. This typically involves signing a deed and having it recorded with the county.
File IRS Form 8283
Complete and attach IRS Form 8283 (Noncash Charitable Contributions) to your tax return. For donations over $5,000, include the qualified appraisal summary signed by both the appraiser and our organization.
Required Documentation:
- • Deed showing property transfer
- • Qualified appraisal (for donations over $5,000)
- • Our written acknowledgment (we'll provide this)
- • IRS Form 8283 completed and signed
Claim Your Deduction
Report your charitable deduction on Schedule A of your federal tax return. If your donation exceeds 30% of your adjusted gross income, carry forward unused deductions for up to five additional tax years.
Property Types We Accept
We gratefully accept a wide variety of real estate donations
Vacant Land
Undeveloped lots, acreage, farmland, timberland, and raw land of any size
Residential Property
Single-family homes, condos, townhouses, vacation properties, and rental properties
Commercial Buildings
Office buildings, retail spaces, warehouses, and mixed-use properties
Agricultural Land
Farms, ranches, orchards, vineyards, and agricultural operations
Inherited Property
Property received through inheritance, including estate settlements
Investment Property
Rental homes, apartment buildings, and other income-producing real estate
Don't see your property type listed? We consider all real estate donations.
Contact Us About Your PropertyFrequently Asked Questions
What is the tax deduction limit for real estate donations?
You can deduct up to 30% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) per year for donations of appreciated property like real estate to qualified 501(c)(3) charities. Any unused deduction can be carried forward for up to five additional tax years, giving you six years total to utilize the full deduction.
Can I donate property that still has a mortgage?
Generally, property with a mortgage can be more complex to donate. We recommend paying off the mortgage first, or contact us to discuss your specific situation. In some cases, we may be able to work with you on creative solutions.
How is my donated property valued for tax purposes?
The IRS requires a qualified appraisal by a certified appraiser for property donations valued over $5,000. The appraisal determines the fair market value—what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller for the property. This appraised value becomes your charitable tax deduction (subject to AGI limitations).
What if my property is worth more than 30% of my income?
This is common with high-value property donations. You can deduct up to 30% of your AGI in the year of donation, then carry forward the remaining deduction for up to five more years. For example, if you earn $100,000 annually and donate a $200,000 property, you'd deduct $30,000 per year for approximately 6-7 years.
How do I avoid capital gains tax on property donation?
When you donate appreciated property that you've owned for more than one year directly to a qualified 501(c)(3) charity like Veterans Opportunity Program, you completely avoid paying capital gains tax on the appreciation. This is one of the most powerful tax benefits of real estate donation—you never pay taxes on the property's increase in value.
Do I need to consult my CPA or tax advisor?
Yes, we strongly recommend consulting with your tax professional before making a property donation. While we can provide general information about the tax benefits, your CPA or tax advisor can give you personalized advice based on your specific financial situation and help you maximize your tax savings.
What documentation will I receive for my taxes?
We will provide you with a written acknowledgment of your donation as required by the IRS. This acknowledgment will include our 501(c)(3) status, EIN (47-3763471), the date of transfer, and a description of the property donated. For your records, you should also keep the deed, appraisal, and all documentation related to the transfer.
Ready to Maximize Your Tax Savings?
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation about your property donation. Our team will help you understand your potential tax benefits and guide you through the entire process.
Download our Property Donation Tax Guide (PDF) • Consult with your CPA