Timeshare*donations [Popular]
: For a tax deduction over $5,000, the IRS requires a qualified appraisal performed by a professional. You cannot simply use the original purchase price or an estimate from a website.
The timeshare exit industry is rife with "donation" scams. Be wary of organizations that: timeshare*donations
Claim that the donation is "100% tax-deductible" without explaining IRS limitations. : For a tax deduction over $5,000, the
Guarantee a specific tax deduction amount before seeing the property. Be wary of organizations that: Claim that the
: If there is still a mortgage on the timeshare, the IRS may treat the donation as a "bargain sale," which complicates the tax benefits and may even result in a taxable gain for the donor. Potential Benefits
: Donors may be able to deduct the fair market value (not the purchase price) of the timeshare on their federal tax return. Note that the fair market value on the resale market is often significantly lower—sometimes as low as $1—than the original price.
Donating a timeshare to charity is often marketed as a "win-win" exit strategy, but it is a complex process that requires navigating strict IRS rules and finding a receptive nonprofit. While it can potentially offer a tax deduction and relief from lifelong maintenance fees, most large charities (like the Red Cross or Salvation Army) generally timeshares because they are considered liabilities rather than assets. The Reality of Timeshare Donations