The parcel number
From the tax bill.
Donate a parking lot to charity: surface lots in any city
Commercial property specialists: (888) 228-7320
Donate a Parking Lot to Charity
A surface parking lot is often the leftover piece after a building was sold or torn down, or the lot next to a building you no longer own. It produces a little income or none, and it carries taxes, insurance and liability. Real Estate with Causes accepts donated parking lots nationwide, including lots with parking leases or management contracts in place.
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
Why parking lots are valued as land
A parking lot is usually valued on what the land could be used for, not just the parking income. A downtown lot zoned for development can be worth far more than its monthly revenue suggests.
Parking leases and operators
If a nearby business leases spaces or an operator manages the lot, those agreements transfer with it.
Shared-use agreements
Some lots are tied to an adjoining building by a recorded parking easement. Tell us if yours is.
Liability and upkeep
Lots need lighting, striping, sealing and snow removal, and the owner carries liability for anyone hurt there. Those costs transfer to us when the deed records.
For a lot held more than a year, the deduction is generally its appraised fair market value, limited to 30% of AGI with a five-year carryforward.
What to have ready when you call
Parking lots need very little paperwork.
Any parking agreements
Leases, operator contracts or recorded parking easements.
Income and expenses
If the lot produces revenue, a simple summary.
Parking lot donation questions, answered
Is a parking lot valued on its income? +
Partly, but usually more on what the land could be used for under its zoning. A lot in a growing area can be worth much more than its parking revenue.
An adjoining building uses the lot. Can I still donate it? +
Yes, but a recorded parking easement or lease binds the new owner. Tell us what agreements exist.
Does the lot need to be resurfaced first? +
No. Condition is reflected in the appraisal. No repairs are required.
Who is liable for the lot after the donation? +
We are, from the day the deed records.
Can I donate the lot and keep leasing spaces for my business? +
Possibly, under a separate lease at fair market rent. Keeping free use would undermine the deduction.
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 lot and we will review it
Send the address and the number of spaces, and we will tell you plainly whether a donation works.