Question: Donation Form

When the PTO receives something as a donation, is there a form we give to the donor? For instance, when I donate to Good Will they give me a form that I can list my donated items so that I can document that when filing my taxes. If so, is there one specific issued by the IRS or is it something the PTO could create?

Asked by candiceelyse

Answers:

Advice from PTO Today

Craig writes:
Donations to your group are deductible only if you are registered with the IRS as a tax-exempt 501c3 charity. If your group is 501c3, you don't need a special form. Just provide an itemized receipt or an acknowledgement letter for any donations and let the donor know that your group is 501c3. It's then up to the donor to decide the deductibility of the donation.

Community Advice

MrsF212 writes:
As fundraising chairperson of my school, I have a form letter (on PTA letterhead) that states our Fed. Tax ID #, addressed to appropriate person, what we're requesting & for what (i.e. supermarket manager, gift card to purchase items needed for an event), my contact name & info. After I receive such donation, I change the format to a thank you stating what we received ($10 store gift card), again with my name & phone #. We are a 501(c)3 organization and they can write it off under donations, or they may write it under advertising. I find this to be very personalized and place are more than happy to help us again. I have built wonderful relationships with our local businesses and it has opened SO MANY doors to do so many other things with them, such as a chain clothing store having their employees purchase school supplies for our students & in turn, students participate in a fashion show for the store to show off their new fall line.

Community Advice

sassychik0099 writes:
Our PTO is just starting out and we do not have a 501(c)3 designation...can we still receive donations that can be written off. How do we make it a win/win for both parties???

Advice from PTO Today

Craig writes:
You have 27 months from the date your PTO is formed to apply for 501c3. If you apply within 27 months, the tax exemption is retroactive to your start date, meaning donations made within that time can be written off (in accordance with IRS rules, of course!). Best wishes and lots of success to you and your group!