FAQ – Helping Feet

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The Answers to All Your Questions

GENERAL

How do I donate property?

We have streamlined your property donation process to make it as simple as possible for you. After providing your information, you will be contacted by a member of our team to get a better understanding of your property.
Helping Feet will do a property review, including a title, tax and lien search and a review for environmental issues.
Upon acceptance, Helping Feet will handle all the paperwork and technical aspects of the donation, such as deed transfer and closing. The receipt and IRS form for your deduction will be sent out shortly after closing.

What are the benefits of property donation?

Often there are significant tax advantages to you the donor from donating your real estate or land property. In most cases, you save on your taxes. Just as so many other property owners like you have benefited from the unique tax savings stemming from their property donations to Helping Feet. The immediate freedom from having to pay costly maintenance, property taxes and holdings fees, as well as broker and selling costs makes donating a valuable alternative to selling.
Upon donation, you will receive a tax deduction based on the FULL appraised value of your property. Helping Feet will also handle all transfer and closing costs for you.

How does Helping Feet determine the approval of a property donation?

At Helping Feet, our team of donation specialists reviews every property offer that we receive, to find out if your property qualifies and to ensure that the charity can benefit from the donation. We analyze a variety of different factors to maximize the potential of every property donation.

Is an appraisal required?

For properties with a value exceeding $5,000, the IRS requires that an independent appraisal be obtained to establish the value of the gift of appreciated property. But not to worry as we will work with you and the contracted appraisal firm to accomplish the appraisal in advance of your donation. Once the appraisal is ordered, all other documentation would be processed in parallel and as quickly as possible.

How long does the process to donate take?

Following completion of an independent appraisal and if all papers are in order, and the title is clear of any issues, the process typically takes between 2-6 weeks. For time sensitive situations, Helping Feet can expedite the process.

TAX DEDUCTION

How much can I claim for a tax deduction?

As a general rule, you can claim the fair market value of the donated property. Consult your tax advisor for details.

When can I claim my tax deduction?

You can claim a tax deduction in the year that the property is donated. Depending on your tax situation, you may be able to claim the deduction for up to five years. Helping Feet does not provide financial or tax advice. Please consult with your tax advisor before making any decisions.

How do I establish the fair market value of my property?

The fair market value of your property is determined by the appraisal of a qualified third-party appraiser.

TYPES OF PROPERTIES ACCEPTED

What kind of real estate property can I donate?

We will consider virtually any type of real estate if it qualifies. You can donate land, residential homes, vacant lots, commercial buildings, industrial properties, apartment buildings, mobile homes, and condos.Helping Feet accepts property donations throughout the United States.

Are there any properties you will not accept?

Properties with debt or that are “under water” or with significant other financial liabilities (high association fees, membership fees, or covenants which make defining financial liability unmeasurable) will generally not be accepted. Also, at this time we do not accept timeshares.Exceptions can be made if the property is highly saleable and can be accomplished soon after making the gift.

Can I donate my property to charity if it is encumbered by a lien or has past due taxes?

Every property needs to be evaluated separately, fill out the donation form and we will get back to you.

Can I donate my house to charity if it needs repairs?

Yes, you can still donate your house even if it's in less than ideal condition.

Do you accept environmentally contaminated property?

It depends. Helping Feet will review the property and decide if the environmental issue is one that we can resolve.

How long does it take to renovate or sell a donated property?

Your donation of property to Helping Feet releases you from concerns about renovating and/or selling your property. If the property takes weeks or months to prepare and sell, this is the responsibility of Helping Feet. We always value your assistance in donating a ready-for-sale property; however this is not a requirement.

Where are the funds from the sale of the property utilized?

We support a list of current charitable projects where we put the funds to good use. These three primary areas are:

1. Development of Affordable Housing

2. Conservation of Land

3. Protection of Endangered Wildlife Animals and Species

What administrative overhead expenses go to Helping Feet?

Administrative expenses vary depending on the amount of time and effort to qualify, acquire, renovate, improve, market, and liquidate a property vary according to location, value, condition, potential buyers, broker fees, etc. Helping Feet’s administrative expense goal is to keep administrative spending as low as possible to be able to support our primary focus areas, projects and goals.