An Escape From the Real Estate Trap: Article

Real estate investors often face a big challenge once they decide to sell their property. What seemed like substantial growth in value could be reduced by 20 to 30 percent – sometimes even more – by the tax bill. 

That’s where a real estate gift has significant benefits.  

By giving the property to Flat River Outreach Ministries, you will receive a charitable deduction and eliminate the tax bill you would have incurred had you sold the property outright. 

This is especially valuable for people looking to free themselves from residential rental property, farmland, commercial property, or even vacant land that was purchased as an investment. 

  


Is a real estate gift the right solution for your goals and situation? For a free, no-obligation, personalized illustration call Arianne Hall at 616-897-8260 ext. 135 or email 
arianneh@fromlowell.org. 

Q&As – Non-Cash Assets

Q: What are the benefits of donating stock?

A: If you have appreciated stock or other securities you’ve owned for at least a year, you can receive a double tax benefit by donating to Flat River Outreach Ministries. Not only will you receive a tax deduction for the fair market value of the stock, but you’ll also avoid paying capital gains tax. This makes giving appreciated stock a much more cost-effective option than giving cash.

Q: Should I consider giving my real estate to Flat River Outreach Ministries?

A: Yes! Many people give more to Flat River Outreach Ministries at a lower cost than they ever thought possible through a gift of real estate!

Whether you want to sell a vacation home, farm, or rental property, giving real estate holds significant benefits for you AND your community. Not only will you receive an income tax deduction for the fair market value of the property, but you’ll also eliminate capital gains tax. All while supporting the important mission of Flat River Outreach Ministries.

Q: I’ve heard I can give directly from my crops. What are the benefits?

A: Give directly from your harvest to stretch the value of your donation!

By giving commodities — such as grains, soybeans, livestock and more — you can achieve greater Kingdom impact and experience personal tax savings. Giving from your harvest reduces your taxable income and provides the ability to deduct your production costs.

Q: How can I give to ministry through my Individual Retirement Account (IRA)?

A: If you are at least 70 ½ years old, you can give up to $100,000 from your IRA (or $200,000 for couples) to Flat River Outreach Ministries and receive significant tax benefits in return.

Any gifts from your IRA…

• reduce your taxable income (whether or not you itemize!),
• can be used to fulfill any charitable pledges you’ve made, AND
• will fulfill all or part of your required minimum distributions.

Q: Isn’t cash the best way to give to ministry?

A: While most charitable gifts are in the form of cash because this is so familiar, this is not always the most cost-effective way for you to give. You may be able to increase your potential impact— and experience significant tax benefits — by giving non-cash assets such as…

• Stock or marketable securities
• Real estate
• Business interests
• Farm commodities
• Life insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Tangible personal property

To learn more about giving non-cash assets or other smart and powerful giving options, contact Arianne at 616.897.8260 x 135 or arianneh@fromlowell.org.

The Cure for Your Real Estate Headaches

Reduce Taxes and Burdens by Giving Property

Sometimes the cost and hassles of owning real estate outweigh the benefits that your property once offered.

Can you relate to any of these ownership headaches?

  • Managing repairs, finding tenants, and collecting delinquent payments for rental properties
  • Maintaining and paying the bills for a vacation home you seldom visit
  • Deciding what to do with farmland or commercial property that your heirs don’t want

If you have real estate that you no longer need or care to manage, you can reduce your costs and headaches by giving all or part of it to Flat River Outreach Ministries.

When you give real estate to Flat River Outreach Ministries, you will receive a charitable deduction at the time of the gift. You’ll also avoid the immediate tax bill on its sale.

Is giving real estate a good option for you? Learn more by calling Arianne at 616.897.8260 x 135 or emailing arianneh@fromlowell.org