How to get rid of land you don't want

Can you refuse land you inherit?

Yes, if you file a qualified disclaimer before you accept the land. Under IRC section 2518, the written refusal must reach the right party within 9 months. The clock runs from the later of the transfer date or your 21st birthday.

The same statute says you must not have accepted the interest or any of its benefits. Ask a probate attorney before you act, because a late or flawed disclaimer does not work.

Can you give land away or donate it?

You can try, but the other side can say no. A gift to a family member works if they want it and you sign a deed. A charity, land trust or local government can accept land, but many decline parcels that cost them money, need cleanup or have no use.

Before you give land away, ask what the recipient will owe. They take on the property taxes and any liens. IRS Publication 551 says the basis of gifted property often carries over from the giver. That can mean a larger tax bill for the person who sells it later.

Do you need an appraisal to deduct a land donation?

A land donation deduction usually needs a qualified appraisal. The IRS Form 8283 instructions say a separate, qualified appraisal is required for any gift of property valued in excess of $5,000. They also say to use Section B of Form 8283 for donations of property with a deduction over $5,000.

A land gift to a charity often falls in that range. Ask the charity first whether it accepts the parcel, then ask a CPA how the deduction works for you.

Can you abandon land?

You cannot abandon land in a way that ends your duties. Stopping payment does not transfer the land to anyone. The deed stays in your name, and unpaid taxes can grow into liens.

If taxes go unpaid long enough, the county may begin its own process in the state's tax sale system. That is a worse path than a planned sale. Our page on land with back taxes explains the usual steps.

Is it better to sell for a low price?

Selling for a low price is often better than holding land that costs you money. Compare a low sale to the cost of holding. Each year you keep the land, you pay taxes and may pay insurance, mowing, fees or fines.

A lower price today can cost less than five more years of bills. Use the land value estimate for a rough range. Then use the net proceeds calculator to see what you would keep after costs.

Do not sell for $1 or give land away without an attorney review. Look at taxes, liens and what future claims could follow.

What if the land has no road or sits in a wetland?

Land with no road or a wetland is harder to sell to most buyers, but you still have options. Land with no legal road access may need an easement. Wetlands may limit what can be built. Rules for both vary by state and county.

Tell any buyer these facts up front. Hiding them can cause problems later. Our page on landlocked property covers access in more detail.

How fast can a cash buyer close?

Liberty Acres is a family-owned land company. We buy land anywhere in the US, in any condition, and close through a title company. We pay back taxes and all closing costs, with no agents and no commissions. We can close in as little as 14 days. Most sales close within a few weeks to a few months, once the title work is done. The date still depends on title work and on how fast sellers sign.

For comparison, see our guide on how long it takes to sell land. Ask a local attorney or CPA before you give away or refuse land.

A real sale from our files

A Florida owner had held a vacant lot since 2009 and felt he was wasting money on taxes. He was the only person on title and wanted a quick sale. We paid cash and closed 47 days after he signed.

Names and identifying details are left out to protect the seller's privacy.

Common questions