Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about submitting, reviewing and transferring property to COCAS.
Does COCAS accept every property?
No. Every property must pass screening and due diligence.
Can I submit vacant land?
Yes, vacant land may be submitted for review.
Can I submit a mortgaged property?
Yes, an inquiry may be submitted, but the debt creates additional legal and financial review and acceptance is not guaranteed.
Can property have delinquent taxes or liens?
The property may still be submitted, but all obligations must be disclosed and reviewed.
Can I donate an occupied rental property?
It may be submitted. Existing leases, tenants, security deposits and legal obligations must be reviewed.
Who determines the property value?
The donor is responsible for obtaining independent valuation and any qualified appraisal required for tax purposes. COCAS does not establish the donor's claimed deduction.
How quickly will COCAS decide?
Timing depends on document completeness, title, debt, occupancy, condition, environmental issues and approval requirements. COCAS does not publish a guaranteed timeline.
What happens after acceptance?
Authorized parties coordinate title and closing documents. Ownership changes only when the transfer is legally completed.
How can a donated property help people?
Depending on location, condition, zoning, debt, occupancy and program fit, an accepted property may be used for housing or services, rehabilitated or developed, partnered with another qualified organization, or sold so net proceeds can support COCAS charitable programs. No specific use is guaranteed until due diligence and formal acceptance are complete.
Can COCAS use the property directly?
Some accepted properties may support programs directly. Others may be rehabilitated, developed, partnered, sold or otherwise used to advance the organization's charitable mission.
Can I remain in my home?
A retained life-estate inquiry is available, but specialized legal review and approval are required.
Will I receive a tax receipt?
COCAS provides the appropriate acknowledgment after a completed contribution. It does not determine the property's value.
Can an estate, trust or company donate?
Yes, authorized representatives may submit an inquiry and must provide proof of authority.
Important Legal & Tax Information
•COCAS does not determine the value of donated property or provide legal, tax, appraisal or financial advice. The availability and amount of any charitable deduction depend on the donor's circumstances, applicable law, property type, holding period, qualified appraisal and tax filing. Donors should consult independent legal, tax and financial professionals.
•Properties with mortgages, liens, taxes, tenants, environmental concerns or other obligations require additional review and may not be accepted.
•COCAS's signature on a tax form acknowledges receipt of property when applicable; it does not represent agreement with the donor's claimed value.
•Submitting an application creates no obligation for COCAS to accept the property and does not transfer title.