Q&As

The IRS has not created a standard format for contribution receipts, but the following information must be included:

• The donor's name 
•  The amount of money or a description of the item donated
• A statement indicating whether or not any goods or services were provided in return for the gift; receipts from religious organizations must include a statement indicating that "intangible religious benefits" were provided but they have no monetary value for tax purposes
• A good-faith estimate of the value of goods or services provided; insubstantial values need not be recorded (see above)

The receipt can be a letter, a postcard, an e-mail message, or a form created for the purpose. Any donations worth $250 or more must be recognized with a receipt. The charity receiving this donation must automatically provide the donor with a receipt.