STEP 1: Download the template file

Download the template file below and populate with information about transactions other than Goodbricks. For example: Paypal, Zelle, Cash, Check etc. Refer to instructions tab in the excel sheet on how to populate the data for easy import into Goodbricks.

STEP 2: Submit the form below with requested information

FAQ - TAX LETTERS

What should be included in a donation receipt?
Year-end donation receipts and regular donation receipts given out at other times of the year are slightly different documents, though they contain much of the same information. Specifically, your year-end donation receipt is an overall, formal acknowledgement of every donation given over the course of the year. 
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has specific requirements for what must be present on a donation receipt for it to be considered an official receipt rather than an informal acknowledgement. However, there are some components you may want to add even if they are not legally required. For example, you don’t need to summarize every donation made in your year-end donation receipts to maintain legal compliance, but it’s still good practice so donors can track all of their individual donations. 
To comply with legal requirements for fundraising, your official donation receipts must include:
  • Your organization’s name.
  • The donor’s name.
  • The date the donation was received.
  • The donation amount.
  • Description of non-cash donations, if applicable.
  • A statement that nothing was given in exchange for the donation or an estimate of the value of what was given in exchange, if applicable.
  • For religious organizations, a statement that intangible religious benefits were provided.
Year-end donation receipts should also include the donor’s total contributions for that year. Including a summary of each donation made will help donors see how their total was calculated.
When should your nonprofit send donation receipts?
While year-end donation receipts should be distributed near the end of the year, it’s still good practice to provide receipts for every donation as a donor gives throughout the year. This will simplify the year-end receipt creation process as you’ll already have all of the donation records you need to include. 
To maintain legal compliance, make sure your nonprofit sends out donation receipts in the following situations: 
  • The donor makes a single donation that is more than $250. All gifts of $250 or more legally require a receipt. However, to help keep everyone’s financial records organized, you should send receipts for every donation, no matter the size.
  • The donation was $75 or more, and something was given in exchange for it. This stipulation can become a bit more complicated based on the value of the item or service given in exchange for the donation. For example, if a donor gives $100 and receives a keychain as a thank you, the keychain is likely not of high enough value to need a receipt. However, if the same donor had their travel expenses to visit your nonprofit’s headquarters paid by your organization, you would need to report it in the receipt. 
While not legally required, you should also send a donation receipt if a donor specifically requests one.
Be sure to distribute these receipts in a timely manner so donors can file their tax returns on time. Many nonprofits send automatic receipts and confirmation emails after each donation to make sure all gifts are documented. This can be especially helpful for your recurring donors who make multiple gifts every year. 

How should a nonprofit send donation receipts?
Donation receipts must be written down in some manner, whether in a letter or email, for the sake of accurate record keeping. Verbal confirmations do not count as donation receipts. When sending out your receipts, consider:
  • Creating automatic messages: The best way to avoid missing a receipt is to use your fundraising software to automate the process. 
  • Using templates: Given that all nonprofits need to send donation receipts, there’s no need for your staff to create a template from scratch. Research resources online, and make sure they have all the necessary information fields for your organization.
  • Combining them with your thank you messages: You should thank your donors and give receipts for every donation made. Instead of sending multiple emails for one donation, combine these two messages into one.