A property owner who gives a lower rate to a non-profit is simply doing it to benefit the community. Not earning income is not tax-deductible.
If I give a client a special rate I can't deduct the difference between my top of the card rate and the special rate. Foregone income is not deductible.
Or if I give a 100 spot schedule to a charity auction, I can't deduct its value as it is an intangible and there is no cost of goods sold for a few minutes of airtime where I would be broadcasting anyway, sold or not.
A store or manufacturer that gives a product to a charity has no deduction; the cost of the item, overhead in storing and shipping it, labor in making or displaying it, are all already deductible as are all business expenses. The only cost to the business is the loss of a potential profit on a sale of the same item. But there is no tax on lost opportunities.
On the other had, if I own shopping centers, I know that Goodwill will bring traffic, pay on time and be a long-term tenant.
