Gifts of Land

Scripture is full of commands to give from what God has given us. We’re told, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19–20). And we’re reminded to “give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38). It’s exciting that the God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills (and the hills too!) chooses to use our gifts to accomplish His mission and purpose in the world (Psalm 50:10).

Well one way that our US supporters can give and invest in the Lord’s work is through planned giving. Did you know that you can gift land, with or without a building on it? This comes with a substantial charitable deduction that allows you to bypass the capital gains tax you would otherwise have to pay when selling the property—an excellent double benefit.

If you have other properties to sell, or have a substantial income, this is an especially helpful charitable deduction to reduce income taxes. Also, if you have commercial or rental real estate, eventually your rental income increases while your depreciation is gradually reduced. With increased rents and reduced depreciation, you may have a very substantial income tax problem. A gift of land can greatly reduce this issue.

Gifting land to Answers in Genesis is simple. If your land is valued at more than $5,000 you will need to have it appraised by a qualified appraiser. Then both you and AiG sign an IRS form 8283, the form necessary to qualify you to report charitable deductions on tax returns. It’s as easy as that!

When you give a gift such as land to Answers in Genesis, not only will it help you on your income tax and bypass a capital gains tax, but you will be supporting us in accomplishing our mission. Your gift, of any amount, goes directly to spreading the message of biblical authority and the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world. And that is a treasure that will endure in heaven for eternity!

Learn more about partnering with us at GenesisGift.org.