Charitable donation tax forms: Explainer guide for 2025 returns
The act of giving to a cause you believe in can be hugely rewarding. It can have a big impact, and that doesn’t have to stop with the cause you’re donating to. If you follow the right steps, you may be able to claim atax deduction on those donations.
While this may sound a bit intimidating (after all, there aren’t many people who enjoy sitting down for a good tax filing session), you can track and submit your donations with confidence if you know where to start. From gathering the right documentation to thecorrect tax forms, it’s key to understand the policies in place. That way, you can make sure your donation qualifies for a tax deduction.
How do tax forms impact charitable tax deductions?
Providing gifts and donations to qualified charitable organizations may allow you to claim charitable tax deductions which lower your taxable income and therefore decrease your tax liability. Eligibility for these deductions requires satisfying the applicable rules, which include tax return reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Therefore, various tax forms exist to help you report your gifts and donations to qualified organizations on your tax return. But not every gift counts, and it can be tricky to understand what qualifies. The key thing to remember is that you can deduct contributions to groups that the IRS recognizes as qualified. These include religious, educational, scientific, or charitable organizations. Use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool to check if an organization qualifies.
The main forms are Schedule A (Form 1040) and Form 8283.
Schedule A is part of your Form 1040 tax return. You use it toitemize deductions, including charitable gifts. If you take the standard deduction instead, you can’t claim charitable contributions. For 2025, the standard deduction is $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for married filing jointly. Itemizing makes sense if your total deductions exceed these amounts.
Form 8283 is for noncash charitable contributions. If your noncash gifts total more than $500, you should file this form. Noncash items include things like clothing, furniture, vehicles, intangible assets like securities, etc. For cash gifts, you don’t need Form 8283, but you should still report them on Schedule A if applicable.
To qualify for a charitable tax deduction, your gift must be unconditional. That means no strings attached. If you get something in return, like a ticket to an event, simply subtract the value of that benefit from your deduction. For example, if you donate $100 but get a $20 meal, you can only deduct $80.
Cash, checks, credit card payments, property, and even mileage for volunteer work (at 14 cents per mile) are just a few examples of what might be eligible for tax deduction. On the other hand, gifts to individuals or political groups don’t count. Always double-check with reliable sources like the IRS website because laws can always change and accuracy is key.
Make sure you have records of the donations you’re making. For gifts under $250, you can just keep a bank statement, receipt, or cancelled check. For gifts of $250 or more, get a written acknowledgment from the organization before you file your tax return. It should include the amount, date, and if any goods or services were provided. Without this, the IRS will deny your deduction.
How does a charitable tax deduction work?
The charitable tax deduction process starts when youitemize your deductions. This may sound technical, but it’s actually just a way of specifying your deductions instead of painting with broad strokes. You do this on yourForm 1040 tax return. If you itemize, attach Schedule A to list your charitable contributions along with other deductions like medical expenses or mortgage interest.
Now it’s time to substantiate your tax deductions. First, gather your supporting documentation for the year. For cash donations, this would include written acknowledgement letters from charities for donations of $250 or more, as well as the related payment transaction confirmation like bank statements, canceled checks, or credit card receipts. For noncash donations, note the fair market value, which is what the item would sell for in its current condition. Tools like thrift shop guides or appraisals are perfect for figuring this out, and noncash donations valued at $5,000 or more must be supported by a qualified appraisal.
Next, find the right forms. Be sure to download them from IRS.gov and avoid any suspicious-looking websites. Schedule A is always needed for itemizing, so don’t forget it. If you have more than $500 of noncash gifts, addForm 8283. For vehicles, boats, or planes over $500, you may need to ask for Form 1098-C from the charity.
- Naming conventions: Schedule A is “Itemized Deductions.” Form 8283 is “Noncash Charitable Contributions.” File them with your Form 1040.
- Where to send: E-file your return through IRS-approved software, or mail to the address in the Form 1040 instructions based on your state.
- Timelines: File by April 15, 2026, for 2025 taxes, or request an extension to October 15. Keep records for at least three years in case of an audit. You’ll thank yourself later!
The IRS processes your return and applies the deduction if everything checks correctly. Your deduction reduces your taxable income. For example, if you’re in the 22% tax bracket and deduct $1,000, you may save $220 in taxes.
As you might expect, there are some limits to what you can claim. Cash donations to public charities can be deductible up to 60% of your adjusted gross income (AGI), while the limit for noncash donations may be 30% or 50% depending on the type of property. Excess amounts carry over to future years for up to five years. Be sure to review these limits ahead of time, especially if you’re expecting any sizeable donations to provide a large charitable tax deduction.
If you donate through crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe, your donation may not count as tax-deductible unless it’s to a qualified organization, so it’s definitely worth taking the time to verify. This process ensures your giving has tax benefits while supporting causes you care about.
Head to our blog for more information and advice ontax strategies for charitable donations.
How to complete Schedule A Form 1040
Schedule A helps you itemize deductions, including charitable gifts. Seem complicated? Let’s take itstep-by-step.
- Start by entering your name and Social Security number at the top, matching your Form 1040. A nice, easy start…
- Focus on lines 11-14 for gifts to charity. On line 11, enter cash or check contributions. Include payroll deductions and out-of-pocket expenses for volunteer work. Add up all qualified cash gifts from your records.
- Line 12 is for things other than cash or check, like property. Enter the fair market value. If over $500, make sure Form 8283 is attached. Halfway there!
- Line 13: Add any carryover from prior years. If your donations exceeded AGI limits last year, bring the excess here.
- Line 14: Add lines 11-13 for total gifts to charity. You did it!
Remember to check the annual deductibility limits mentioned previously. If your total charitable contributions for the year exceeds the limits, the excess can generally be carried forward and taken as a deduction over the next 5 years until it is used up.
Throughout this process, remember to only use whole dollar amounts for everything. Attach Schedule A to Form 1040. If e-filing, the software guides you, so don’t worry about attachments. As always, remember to keep supporting docs like acknowledgments for gifts of $250 or more.
When you’ve put in this much work, it’s definitely worth double-checking for accuracy. Errors can delay refunds and cause other issues. SeeIRS Publication 526 for details on maximizing your deduction when itemizing is more advantageous than the standard deduction.
How to complete IRS Form 8283
If you’ve been in the charitable mood, this might be one for you. Form 8283 reports noncash contributions over $500. Complete this form if your total noncash deduction exceeds this amount. Ready to get started?
- At the top, enter your name and identifying number.
- Section A: For items or groups up to $5,000. In Part I, describe each property in column (c) – include details like the condition for vehicles. Enter date donated (d), how it was acquired (f), basis (g), fair market value (h), and valuation method (i). Great work – now let’s move to appraisals.
- Section B: For over $5,000 per item/group, you should get a qualified appraisal. Part I: Check property type on Line 2. Describe in 3(a), explain the condition in 3(b), and provide FMV (fair market value) in 3(c). Your appraiser signs Part IV, and you sign for acknowledgement in Part V.
- Attach the appraisal if needed (over $5,000). If you don’t require an appraisal, you can ignore this.
- File with your return. Just like with the other forms, always remember to use whole dollars. See instructions for limitations if the property isn’t capital gain property. This ensures your noncash gifts qualify for a deduction.
Make your money go further
Your donation can be a powerful force for good. Let’s help it keep fighting to get you the best deduction possible. Completing the right forms, like Schedule A and Form 8283 as applicable, are required to claim your deduction. Follow IRS rules to avoid denials and maximize benefits.
WithGoFundMe, you can start fundraisers easily and reach supporters worldwide. Our platform is trusted by millions, with no cost for an organizer to start a fundraiser. Every donation helps causes that matter, and you can keep that impact going with a tax deduction for yourself.
Start today and make an impact. Sharing with others is the gift that literally keeps on giving, the whole year round.
Charitable donation tax forms: FAQs
What tax form do I need for charitable donations?
Itemizers use Schedule A (Form 1040) for all charitable donations. For noncash over $500, add Form 8283.
Is it better to take the standard deduction or itemize for donations?
Itemize if your total deductions, including donations, exceed the standard ($15,750 single, $31,500 joint for 2025). Otherwise, the standard is simpler.
Which donations are not tax-deductible?
Gifts to individuals, political groups, or if you get full value back. Also, time volunteered doesn’t count as a deduction.
What proof is required for charitable donations?
For under $250: Receipt, bank record, or cancelled check. For $250+: Written acknowledgment from the organization. No matter what, remember to keep track of everything for sound recordkeeping.
How do I report noncash donations?
Value at fair market, which you can determine in a variety of ways. Report on Schedule A line 12, and use Form 8283 if over $500. You may also need a qualified appraisal depending on the amount claim and property
Are GoFundMe donations tax-deductible?
They can be if they are made to a qualified 501(c)(3) organization. Check the campaign details and IRS rules. You might just be able to help yourself while helping others.