$ 501(c)(3) donation receipt

Donation receipt template

Free printable donation receipt for cash and in-kind gifts. Customize the charity, donor, date, and details on the left — then print or save as PDF. Required by the IRS for every donation of $250 or more.

info Tip — in-kind donations

Describe items but do not assign a dollar value. The donor is responsible for fair market value. If totals cross $500, they file Form 8283.

Customize receipt

Official donation receipt
[Charity name]
[Charity address]
EIN: [EIN]
Receipt #
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Donor
[Donor name]
Donation date
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Donation
No goods or services were provided in exchange for this contribution.
Tax information: The charity named above is a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The donor is responsible for determining the fair market value of any non-cash items. No goods or services were provided in exchange unless noted above. Retain this receipt with your tax records.
Signature
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Generated with deductible.me

What every 501(c)(3) donation receipt needs

For donations of $250 or more, the IRS requires a contemporaneous written acknowledgment from the charity. "Contemporaneous" means the donor receives the receipt before they file their tax return (or before the return is due — whichever is earlier). Without a compliant receipt, the donation isn't deductible — even if it really happened.

  • •Charity's legal name (and EIN, ideally)
  • •Date of the donation
  • •Amount of cash, or description of non-cash items (without a dollar value)
  • •A statement that no goods or services were provided in exchange — or, if some were, a description and good-faith estimate of their value
  • •Donor's name (and address for donations over $250)

Cash vs. in-kind

For cash donations, the receipt lists the dollar amount. For in-kind (non-cash) donations like clothing or furniture, the receipt describes the items but doesn't assign a value — valuation is the donor's responsibility, and putting a number on a charity-issued receipt can complicate the donor's return.

If the donor's total non-cash donations for the year exceed $500, they'll also need to file Form 8283.

FAQ

Can a charity put a dollar value on in-kind donations?

No — describe the items but don't assign FMV. The donor handles valuation.

Do I need a receipt for every donation?

A bank record or written receipt is required for any donation. For donations of $250 or more, the IRS requires a written contemporaneous acknowledgment.

Is this template IRS-compliant?

Yes, when fully filled out. Make sure the goods-and-services statement is included on every receipt over $250.