Donate Real Estate to Support Veterans

Donating real estate is one of the most impactful ways to support America's veterans — and one of the most tax-advantaged. Whether you own a house, land, a rental property, a vacation home, or commercial real estate, a property donation can turn an asset you no longer want into meaningful support for those who served, while unlocking significant tax benefits for you.

Why Donate Real Estate?

Property that sits unused can be a burden — property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and mortgage payments add up quickly. Donating that real estate to support veterans relieves you of those costs while doing real good. And the tax advantages can be substantial:

• Avoid capital gains tax. When you donate appreciated property directly, rather than selling it first, you can avoid paying capital gains tax on the increase in value.
• Claim a fair market value deduction. If you've owned the property for more than a year and itemize your taxes, you may be able to deduct its full appraised fair market value.
• Free yourself from ongoing costs. Once the donation is complete, you're no longer responsible for taxes, insurance, or upkeep.

How Real Estate Donation Works

Most real estate donations follow a similar path: the property is appraised to establish its fair market value, the title is transferred, and the property is sold with the proceeds supporting veteran programs. For tax purposes, real estate donations are typically reported on IRS Form 8283, and an independent appraisal establishes your deduction. Because every property and tax situation is different, it's always wise to consult a tax professional before donating.