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Donating Property to Charity: A Strategic Guide

  • Parkview Partners Capital Management
  • Sep 25
  • 2 min read

Donating property to a charity can be a powerful way to align your financial goals with your philanthropic vision. Beyond being generous, it can also provide potential tax advantages and create a lasting legacy.


Why Donating Property Can Be a Smart Financial Strategy


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When you donate appreciated real estate, you may receive two potential benefits:


  • Avoiding capital gains tax on the appreciation

  • Claiming a charitable deduction for the property’s fair market value


This “double benefit” can make donating property more impactful than selling first and then donating the after-tax proceeds.


Advanced Giving Strategies


Beyond direct donations, advanced tools can expand your impact:


  • Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs): Donate property into a trust, receive an income stream, and the remainder goes to charity.

  • Bargain Sales: Sell property to a charity at less than market value, receiving partial cash and a deduction for the gift portion.

  • Retained Life Estates: Donate your home now but retain the right to live there for life.


These approaches can create both philanthropic and financial advantages.


Steps to a Successful Property Donation


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Donating property requires planning and professional guidance. The key steps include:


  1. Build your advisory team – financial advisor, tax professional, and attorney.

  2. Select the right charity – ensure the organization has experience handling property gifts.

  3. Obtain a qualified appraisal – required for IRS compliance if the property is worth more than $5,000.

  4. Complete the legal transfer – finalize the deed and conduct due diligence like title searches and environmental checks.


Understanding IRS Rules and Tax Compliance


The IRS requires specific forms and documentation for property donations:


  • Form 8283 for non-cash contributions

  • A qualified appraisal for gifts over $5,000

  • Attaching the appraisal itself for gifts over $500,000


Additionally, deductions for appreciated property are typically capped at 30% of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), with the option to carry forward unused deductions for up to 5 years.


Common Pitfalls to Avoid


  • Using an unqualified appraisal (risking IRS disallowance)

  • Donating property with hidden liens or debts

  • Overlooking environmental or zoning issues

  • Choosing a charity unprepared to manage real estate


Proactive due diligence helps protect both you and the receiving organization.


Final Thoughts


Donating property to charity can transform a high-value asset into a meaningful gift with long-lasting impact. With the right planning, advisory team, and strategies, you can effectively manage both the financial and philanthropic benefits of your donation.


Disclosures


Investment advice offered through Stratos Wealth Partners, Ltd., a registered investment advisor. Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC and Parkview Partners Capital Management are separate entities. Neither Stratos nor Parkview Partners Capital Management provides legal or tax advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. To discuss how these strategies might apply to your specific situation, contact Parkview Partners Capital Management for a personalized consultation. You can learn more about our work by visiting us at https://www.parkviewpcm.com.


 
 
 

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Financial Advisor, Investment Advisor, High Net Worth, Wealth Management, Tax Planning, Risk Management, Financial Coordination, Retirement Planning, Charitable Giving, Columbus Ohio, Parkview Partners Capital Management

291 East Livingston Ave.
Columbus, OH 43215


Phone: (614) 427-2132

Fax: (614) 427-2132

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