Your citizenship and residency
It decides which U.S. tax rules apply to you.
Donating U.S. real estate when you live outside the United States
International owner specialists: (888) 228-7320
Donating U.S. Real Estate When You Live Abroad
Owners who live outside the United States often hold American property they rarely see: a vacation home, a rental or land bought years ago. Real Estate with Causes accepts donated U.S. real estate from owners anywhere in the world. We prepare the deed for the property’s county, arrange signing abroad and record it. The U.S. tax effect depends on your residency and your home country’s rules, so your advisors on both sides should be involved.
Tell us about the property
Every property gets a look. Name, phone and email are the only required fields.
Fully IRS Compliant
We Handle the Paperwork
Form 8283 Done Right
501(c)(3) Recognized Charity
Signing from another country
A deed signed abroad usually needs to be acknowledged before a U.S. consular officer at an embassy or consulate, or before a local notary with an apostille where the country is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention. We prepare the documents with the right acknowledgment form for the property’s state.
Couriers and originals
Recorders need the signed original. We arrange secure return shipping.
The U.S. tax side
Nonresident aliens can generally deduct charitable gifts only against income that is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business, such as net rental income, and only on a U.S. return. U.S. citizens and residents living abroad follow the ordinary rules.
A gift is not a sale, so FIRPTA withholding on sales by foreign persons does not ordinarily apply. Gift and estate tax rules for nonresidents differ from those for citizens. Get advice in both countries before deciding.
What to have ready when you call
A video call works as well as a phone call.
The property details
State, county and parcel number, from the tax bill.
Any U.S. tax filings
If you file a U.S. return for rental income, your preparer can advise on the deduction.
Owners abroad: questions, answered
Do I need to travel to the U.S. to sign? +
No. You can sign before a U.S. consular officer or, in many countries, a local notary with an apostille. We prepare the documents for that.
Will I get a U.S. tax deduction? +
It depends on your status. Nonresident aliens can generally deduct only against effectively connected U.S. income. U.S. citizens and residents abroad follow the usual rules.
Does FIRPTA withholding apply? +
FIRPTA withholding applies to sales and certain other dispositions by foreign persons. A gift for no consideration generally does not trigger it, but a property with debt may. Your advisor should confirm.
Can I donate property I inherited from a U.S. relative? +
Yes, once title is in your name or the estate’s. If probate is still open in the U.S., the executor may act.
Do you work with advisors outside the U.S.? +
Yes. We coordinate with your advisor abroad and any U.S. preparer you use.
We do not provide tax or legal advice. See IRS Publication 526, Publication 561 and the Form 8283 instructions, and consult your own advisor.
Related guides
Tell us about the property and we will review it
Send the property details and where you live, and we will tell you how signing and recording would work.