Updated August 24, 2023
A 501(c)(3) donation receipt is required to be completed by charitable organizations when receiving gifts in a value of $250 or more. It’s utilized by an individual that has donated cash or payment, personal property, or a vehicle and seeking to claim the donation as a tax deduction.
Often a receipt detailing the extent of all donations over the course of the year will be issued to provide the total annual contributions made by a single donor, the value of which can be deducted from their gross income.
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What is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit?
A 501 (c)(3) is a type of organization or corporation classified as a charity that’s able to accept charitable contributions. Contributions given to a 501(c)(3) are tax-deductible when given before the close of the tax year. A pledge or promise to pay does not count.
All 501(c)(3) organizations must be approved by the IRS under a rigorous approval process. If an organization is certified 501(c)(3), as most well-known charitable organizations are, it’s safe to give a donation knowing that it can be tax-deductible.
Most Popular Charities
Click on the following charity to download their donation receipt:
- American Cancer Society
- American Heart Assoc.
- American Red Cross
- Big Brother / Big Sister
- Boy Scouts
- Epilepsy Foundation
- Feeding America
- Girl Scouts
- Goodwill
- Habitat for Humanity
- Salvation Army
- Special Olympics
- United Way
- YMCA
501(c)(3) Receipt Requirements
In accordance with Page 2 of IRS Publication 1771 the receipt must contain the following:
- Name of the Charity;
- Date of Contribution; and
- Amount ($) of the Contribution.
- Acknowledgment of “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. (26 U.S. Code § 175(f)(8)(A))
More than $500
If the donation is more than $500, the donation must be described in full. (26 U.S. Code § 175(f)(11)(B))
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. (26 U.S. Code § 175(f)(8)(C))
Maximum Tax Deduction
An individual may deduct up to 50% of their adjusted gross income (line 36 on IRS Form 1040 Schedule 1). (26 U.S. Code § 170(b)(1)(B))
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.
- Download Publication List 78
- Verify Online (See Instructions Below)
1. Go to the IRS Website
3. View Listings
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!
