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Real estate

Unlock the hidden potential of your property’s value and make a lasting impact by donating real estate.

Photograph by Randy Dodson, © Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco

About gifts of real estate

Giving real estate to charity may be an appealing option for you if you have property with appreciated value, as it helps you avoid capital gains tax liabilities.

Additionally, it simplifies estate planning, reduces estate tax liability, and relieves ownership expenses and maintenance burdens.

Benefits

  • Eliminate ownership and maintenance expenses.
  • Make a significant charitable gift in support of our mission.
  • Leave a lasting legacy that supports our mission.

How it works

  1. Contact us to let us know you are interested in donating real estate.
  2. Have the property appraised to determine its fair market value. This will help you determine your charitable deduction for tax purposes.
  3. Work with us and your attorney to transfer the property ownership. This may involve executing a deed, transferring the title, and completing any necessary legal or regulatory requirements.
  4. Claim your charitable deduction on your tax return for the year in which the donation is made, while avoiding income tax on any appreciation in value.

Please contact us before you donate, as there may be some restrictions on the types of property we can accept.

 

We recommend consulting with a qualified estate planning attorney and a financial advisor to determine if this option is right for you.

Getting started

Donate real estate in your will or trust or through a transfer on death (TOD) deed to ensure it is used for a charitable purpose and not subject to potential disputes or mismanagement in the future.

Learn more

Already included us in your estate plans?

Letting us know is incredibly helpful to our team and helps make sure your gift is used how you want it to be.

Have questions? Get in touch!

Our team is happy to speak with you about your giving goals, confidentially and with no obligation.Name:

Contact us through this form or at plannedgiving@famsf.org.

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More ways to make an impact

Gifts for the future

Donations in your will or trust are the most popular type of legacy gift, while gifting assets not covered by your will, like 401(k) or IRA accounts, may help your heirs avoid unwanted taxes.

Gifts that pay you back

Transfer securities, cash, or other property to the Museums and we’ll manage the investment of the assets and pay an income to you, your designated beneficiaries, or both. Receive payments for the rest of your life or up to a certain number of years.

Tax-smart gifts

Many people are increasingly choosing to give non-cash assets, so they can have a bigger impact at less cost to them.