THE DONOR DESK · 501C3.HELP
A little clarity.
A more informed gift.
Know who you’re giving to, what to ask, and which records to keep. Start with a checklist built around your donation.
Make my giving checklistFree to use. No account needed.
WHAT TO DO NOW
THE RULES, WITH THEIR SOURCES
Your state ↗
What each state records about charities that ask for money.
PUBLIC DOCUMENTSWhat a charity must show you ↗
Its returns and its exemption application, on request.
PROPERTYGiving something other than money ↗
Property, stock and vehicles, and the paperwork each needs.
DEDUCTIONSIs a gift deductible ↗
Qualified organizations, and what changed for 2026.
YOUR GIVING CHECKLIST
Start with your gift.
Choose your situation, then work through the list. These are preparation steps, not a determination of tax eligibility or an organization’s compliance.
Your starting checklist
For a one-time monetary gift with no goods or services in return.
Checkmarks stay on this page only. Completing the list is not a certification.
ORGANIZATION LOOKUP
Start with the official record.
Ask the organization for its legal name and EIN. Use them in the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search to look up eligibility to receive deductible contributions, available returns, and determination letters.
Open IRS organization search ↗What to look for
- Does the name and EIN match the recipient?
- What does the current eligibility record say?
- Do the available filings help you understand its activities?
A tax record is one part of your research. It does not rate the organization’s impact. If a record is missing or unclear, ask the organization for supporting documents and consult the IRS guidance.
Source: IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search · Reviewed September 6, 2026.
A record that is missing or unclear is not the end of it: the organization itself must show you its filings.
RECEIPTS & RECORDS
Keep the paperwork.
Keep it simple.
What should I keep for a monetary donation?
For a federal charitable deduction, keep a bank record or a written communication from the charity showing its name, the contribution date, and the amount. A single contribution of $250 or more also needs a qualifying written acknowledgment.
Source: IRS Publication 1771 ↗What belongs in an acknowledgment for $250 or more?
The organization’s name, the cash amount or a description of noncash property, and information about whether goods or services were provided in return. If applicable, it includes their description and good-faith value estimate; special rules apply to intangible religious benefits. Obtain the acknowledgment by the earlier of when you file your return or its due date, including extensions.
Source: IRS acknowledgment requirements ↗Giving property rather than money? What the paperwork has to show.
What if I receive a dinner, ticket, or another benefit?
The full payment may not be deductible. Ask the charity for the value of the benefit and the potentially deductible portion. For a quid pro quo payment above $75, the charity generally must provide a written disclosure, subject to exceptions.
Source: IRS quid pro quo contributions ↗Does this tell me how much I can deduct?
No. Your tax year, recipient, type of gift, and personal circumstances matter. Use the current IRS guidance for the year of your gift and get advice for your situation.
Source: IRS Publication 526 ↗Two things changed for the 2026 tax year. What decides whether a gift is deductible.
How do I cancel a recurring donation or request a refund?
Check the organization’s donation confirmation and payment terms. Contact the organization or the payment service named on your receipt. This guide does not process donations or manage subscriptions.
On the tax side, separate gifts under $250 are not added together. What counts as one gift.
Federal sources reviewed September 6, 2026. State guides show their own sources and review information.