Transfer tax
Illinois and Cook County transfer taxes apply, and Chicago adds its own city transfer tax. A PTAX-203 declaration goes with most deeds. Deeds with no consideration are commonly exempt, and we confirm the treatment when we prepare yours.
Donate real estate in Chicago, Illinois: houses, condos and land
Chicago property specialists: (888) 228-7320
Donate Real Estate in Chicago, Illinois
Real Estate with Causes accepts donated real estate anywhere in Chicago: houses, condos, land and commercial buildings. A Chicago real estate donation follows Illinois’s deed, transfer tax and recording rules, which we handle. We prepare the deed and record it with the Cook County recorder.
Fully IRS Compliant
We Handle the Paperwork
Form 8283 Done Right
501(c)(3) Recognized Charity
Illinois rules for property in Chicago
Federal tax rules are the same in every state. These three things are set by Illinois and Cook County.
Deed and filings
We prepare the deed in the form customary in Illinois for a gift, so you are not warranting more than you should.
Recording
Deeds are recorded with the Cook County recorder for Cook County. You sign before a notary wherever you live, and we handle the filing.
Chicago property we accept
The property types Chicago donors bring us most often. Each links to the full guide for that type, including how it compares to selling.
Houses in ChicagoTwo-flats, greystones, bungalows and condos.
Chicago landVacant city lots, often where a building once stood.
Chicago farmlandIllinois farmland you own downstate, handled through our farmland program.
Commercial propertyStorefronts, offices, former business buildings and small retail centers.
Condos and rentalsCondo units, rental houses and small apartment buildings, tenants and all.
Land contractsProperty sold on terms years ago. We take over the payments and deliver the deed at payoff.
Chicago real estate donation questions, answered
Is a donated deed subject to Chicago transfer tax?+
Illinois and Cook County transfer taxes apply, and Chicago adds its own city transfer tax. A PTAX-203 declaration goes with most deeds. Deeds with no consideration are commonly exempt, and we confirm the treatment when we prepare yours.
I live outside Illinois. Do I have to travel to Chicago to sign?+
No. We prepare the deed in the form Illinois requires for Cook County, you sign before a notary where you live, and we record it with the Cook County recorder.
Does Illinois give a state tax deduction for a property donation?+
Illinois has a state income tax, and whether and how it follows the federal charitable deduction is set by Illinois law. Your advisor can confirm how it applies to you.
Can I donate Chicago property that is behind on property taxes?+
Reviewed, not refused. What matters is whether the taxes owed are well below what the property can sell for. Delinquent taxes are a lien, so they are handled before or at transfer, and where Illinois or Cook County rules require payment first we plan around that with you.
Can an executor donate inherited Chicago property before probate closes?+
Often, within the authority the will and the Illinois probate court give the personal representative. If the property passed outside probate, the heirs on title sign together. Tell us where the estate stands and we will tell you who needs to sign.
We do not provide tax or legal advice. State transfer tax rules change; we confirm current requirements when we prepare each deed. Consult your own advisor.
Tell us about your Chicago property and we will review it
The address or a parcel number is enough to start.