Frequently Asked Questions
- How does it work?
Simply fill out our on-line submission form telling us about the timeshare you wish to donate and we will do all the work. Once we receive your submission form we will assess the property and determine if it has sufficient market value. You will hear from us within two to three business days. Properties that have mortgages, liens, loans, or outstanding maintenance fees that the owner is unwilling to pay off are not acceptable for donation. Properties that are deemed acceptable are then sold, and the net proceeds are given to charity.
- What if you don't live in the US?
Non-US residents are welcome to donate timeshares to any of our listed charities. However, if you are interested in receiving a tax write-off for this donation in your home country you must first consult a tax advisor in your country and find out if this donation would qualify for a write-off.
- How do you get your tax write-off?
Upon transfer of ownership of your timeshare, we will send you a receipt as proof of your donation which you can then use to qualify for a tax write-off. Once you receive your receipt, you should discuss its use with your accountant (or whomever you use for tax advice). You can also review the IRS web site regarding charitable donations at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p526.pdf.
We can help you donate your timeshare whether it's managed by Marriott, Bluegreen, Westgate, Worldmark, Sunterra, Trendwest, Fairfield or any other timeshare management company. Our Timeshare donations program is an excellent opportunity to remove the burden of maintenance fees, taxes, and sales fees associated with selling your timeshare on the open market. Also, you will feel great about assisting a non-profit organization.
- Do I have to pay my maintenance fees for next year?
- All donors are responsible for keeping their account current throughout the donation process. If the process is completed and the usage is still available you will be reimbursed all or part of the fees for that use year.
- What Timeshare can be donated?
- Just about any timeshare anywhere can be donated.
- What are my duties during the donation process?
- You will need to fill out the on-line submission form, sign a consent form, sign the new deed once we send it to you and pay all fees associated with this ownership until it is transferred out of your name.
- How do I get my charitable tax deduction?
- As soon as we transfer the ownership of your timeshare we will send you a receipt for your donation.
- How much will my Donation Receipt be for?
- It is up to you to determine the fair market value of your donation. We will send you a receipt which describes the donated property and you write in the value. You are always welcome to visit the Resort Closings Website and click on closing status link and see how much your property sold for.
- What are the costs for me to donate my timeshare?
- Typically nothing. If we have to request a deed from the county (due to a lost deed) there is a $25 charge. Also, if we have to draft an Affidavit of Death (if the deeded owner has passed away) there is a $75 charge plus recording fees. Starting January 1, 2009, if you are attempting to donate a studios, bi-ennial, low season, or less marketable timeshare then you may be asked to pay the closing costs to transfer this timeshare to Donate For A Cause. Due to the difficult financial times it has become harder to find buyers and this has increased our marketing costs for these less desirable properties. You have no obligation to pay this fee. If for some reason after you pay this fee it is determined that that we are unable to complete the transfer (i.e. a problem with the title, etc.) you will be reimbursed 100% of any fees paid to us.
- How long will this process take?
- The closing process takes approximately 120 days not including the time it takes the county to record the new deed.
- How does the process work?
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You will need to fill out the online submission form by clicking on "Donate Now".
Once we receive your information, our broker will review your property and determine whether or not we can proceed with your timeshare as a donation.We will be in touch with you regarding our decision within 2 to 3 business days.
If we are able to proceed with your timeshare, we will then request the additional documentation to begin the verification of your ownership with your resort. The verification process takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks.
After your property has been liquidated, title transfer will occur and your donation will be processed. You will then be reimbursed for any money owed to you along with a tax donation receipt and a copy of the IRS 8282 tax form.
The closing process takes approximately 120 days not including the time it takes the county to record the new deed.
- How can I contact someone to discuss my donation?
- Contact Information.
- Why was my donation rejected?
- All properties offered for donation will undergo a four week market analysis whereby the value of the property will be estimated. No property will be accepted for donation if the market analysis concludes that the property can not be sold for a profit within a three week period. Donate For A Cause reserves the right to reject any property offered for donation for the above stated or any other reason it deems appropriate.
- I submitted my donation request, but I still need the Donation Cover Sheet. Can I get it without submitting again?
- Yes. The cover sheet is available here: Donation Cover Sheet
- What is a Right of First Refusal (ROFR)
- The right reserved by some resorts to take the position of a buyer in a contract to purchase one of their timeshares. If the resort elects to purchase the property they must buy it at the same price and conditions as stated in the contract.
- What is Title Insurance?
- A contract by which a private title insurance company agrees to pay the insured a specified amount for any loss caused by defects of title to real estate, wherein the insured has an interest as purchaser, mortgagee, or otherwise. See this page for more information.
