What is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit?

A 501 (c)(3) non-profit is a type of organization or corporation that’s classified to accept charitable contributions. Contributions given to a 501(c)(3) are tax-deductible before the tax year’s close.

A pledge or promise to pay is not recognized as a charitable donation.

Popular Charities

501(c)(3) Receipt Requirements

In accordance with Page 2 of IRS Publication 1771, the receipt must contain the following:

Name of the Charity
Date of Contribution
Amount ($) of the Contribution
Acknowledgment (“no goods or services were provided as part of this donation”)

No Goods or Service Provided

No payments made for goods or services can be deducted from a donor’s taxes even if the payment was made to a 501(c)(3) organization.

For example, if a person is going to a dinner event for a charity, the fee for the dinner may not be used as a tax deduction. Although, if a separate cash donation is made at the dinner, that amount may be deducted.

Less than $250

Any single instance where a donation is made up to $250 does not need a receipt. Under this rule, a person may make ten (10) trips to donate clothes and claim it as a tax deduction without proof or a receipt. Once the amount, for any donation, reaches $250 or more, a receipt is required.^[1]

More than $500

If the donation is more than $500, the donation must be described in full.^[2]

More than $5,000

If the donation value is more than $5,000, the property must be assessed by a “qualified appraiser.” This is not defined although the donor is advised to use their best judgment.^[3]

Maximum Tax Deduction

An individual may deduct up to 50% of their adjusted gross income (line 36 on IRS Form 1040 Schedule 1).^[4]

501(c)(3) Charity Lookup (3 steps)

Before any donor makes patronage to a non-profit organization, it’s imperative that the entity that is receiving the funds is classified as a 501(c)(3) by the IRS. If not, the donor may not be liable to deduct the amount from their tax return at the end of the year.

Two (2) Options

Download Publication List 78
Verify Online (See Instructions Below)

1. Go to the IRS Website

Go to the IRS Website and click the dark blue button titled ‘Tax Exempt Organization Search‘ (EOS App).

2. Type the Name of the Entity

Perform a lookup by Organization Name or the Employer Identification Number. If the organization is nationwide and has local associations, use the location filters to specify by State or City.

3. View Listings

Just because an organization appears on the search results does not mean the organization is a verified 501(c)(3) organization. The entity name must be clicked and its status with the IRS will appear.The statement “On Publication 78 Data List: Yes” must be listed to confirm the entity’s non-profit status.

Sample – 501(c)(3) Donation Receipt

DONATION RECEIPT

Date: March 14, 2019

Name of the Non-Profit Organization: Goodwill Industries of Northern New England

EIN: 01-0284340

DONATION INFORMATION

Donor’s Name: John Roberts

Donor’s Mailing Address: 123 Monroe Way, Apple Valley, CA 92307

Donation Value: $760.00

Donation Description: 3 winter coats, 42″ Plasma TV (in working order), 3 chairs, and 1 large couch.

I, the undersigned representative, declare (or certify, verify, or state) under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that there were no goods or services provided as part of this donation. Furthermore, as of the date of this receipt the above-mentioned organization is a current and valid 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in accordance with the standards and regulations of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Sincerely,

Thank you for your generosity. We appreciate your support!

501(c)(3) Donation Receipt Template