If i sell my house to an animal shelter can I count the $ I come down off the price as a donation? ?

Question

Could it be a tax write-off?

Answer 1

No, but if you work with an accountant and this is an not-for-profit organization, you may be able to find a way to donate the entire property (assuming you own it free and clear or have the means to pay off the mortgage) and get a tax deduction that way.  

Answer 2

You should really consult with a tax expert about this.

The first question is whether the shelter is a 501(c)(3) charity.  Otherwise, any donation may not be deductible no matter how you work it.  

To me (not an expert), it doesn't sound like it would work.  

If this is what you're trying to do, you're better off trying to arrange the following as a condition of the sale:

Sell for the higher price, then make a cash donation back to the organization for the amount you want to write off and get a receipt. That's going to be a tricky thing to handle as well, but I'd think it's better to have the negotiations handled up front (and through escrow) and have a receipt for the donation at tax time.

Answer 3

No, you are not making a donation.   The property is valued at the sales price, and selling is not the same as donating.