Depending on the circumstances that are involved, gifts of real estate can be an effective means of planning a gift. Much of the individual wealth in America is invested in real estate. While the first thought often is a home or farm, real estate also can involve a vacation or second home, an apartment or commercial building, a shopping center, or undeveloped land.

Gifts of real estate, therefore, can enable us to make significant contributions. Each piece of property and its unique circumstances need to be reviewed to determine the suitability of the property as a gift. Generally speaking, a rule of thumb is that an acceptable piece of property is one that can be readily sold.

Also, there are many ways to donate property. It can be an outright gift, a retained life estate, or placed in a trust. In any case, while we discuss some generalities here about donating real estate, if you are considering such a gift, please contact us to discuss its suitability.

• There may be a charitable income tax deduction that would lower your income tax.
• If your property has appreciated in value since you acquired it, there might be a large capital gain tax that would result if you sold it. By donating the property, you may be able to avoid realizing the capital gains.
• Depending on your state regulations, you may be able to turn the property into a gift that is structured to provide income for you and a beneficiary.
• If the property is your home or farm, you may be able to make a gift of it now and continue to live in it for the rest of your life and receive tax benefits the year of the gift.
• If the contribution from your property exceeds the allowable charitable deduction limits, the deduction may be carried forward for five years.

For more information about planned gifts, please contact Stephanie Bergsma at (619) 594-7822 or by email.  You may also write to: KPBS Friends for Life, 5200 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182.