Can You Deduct GoFundMe Donations and Other Key Tax Questions

Navigating the world of tax deductions can be complex, especially when it comes to charitable contributions and personal donations. Everyday taxpayers often wonder how their generosity might translate into tax benefits. Here, we address common questions about GoFundMe donations, upcoming tax changes, and ensuring your charitable contributions are legitimate.

Understanding GoFundMe Contributions

Are GoFundMe Donations Deductible?

If you've donated to a GoFundMe campaign to assist someone in need, you might be wondering if you can claim it on your taxes. Unfortunately, contributions made to individual fundraising efforts, such as those through GoFundMe, are not tax-deductible. This includes donations aimed at helping specific families or individuals, like assisting with medical expenses or recovery from a disaster. Only donations to IRS-recognized charities qualify for tax deductions.

Upcoming Changes to Charitable Deductions

What Changes Are Coming in 2026?

Starting with the 2026 tax year, non-itemizers can deduct certain charitable donations up to $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for joint filers. This change allows more taxpayers to benefit from their charitable giving, even if they take the standard deduction. However, contributions to donor-advised funds or private nonoperating foundations are excluded. Additionally, itemizers will face a new threshold where charitable contributions only count if they exceed 0.5% of adjusted gross income (AGI).

• Non-itemizers: Deduct up to $1,000 (single) or $2,000 (married filing jointly)
• Itemizers: Deductions begin after surpassing 0.5% of AGI
• Exclusions: Donor-advised funds and private nonoperating foundations

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)

Can I Use a QCD for a Charitable Gift Annuity?

For those aged 70½ and older, transferring up to $111,000 from a traditional IRA directly to a charity can be done as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). This option can lower your taxable income, as these distributions aren't included in your AGI. The recent SECURE 2.0 legislation allows for a one-time QCD of up to $55,000 through instruments such as charitable gift annuities or remainder trusts. Remember, QCDs cannot be deducted as charitable contributions on your tax return.

Ensuring Your Charity Is Legitimate

How Can I Verify a Charity's Status?

To ensure your donations go to a legitimate charity, check the organization's status using the IRS's tax-exempt organization search tool. This tool will confirm if the charity is a recognized 501(c)(3) entity eligible to receive tax-deductible donations. Be cautious of scams, particularly those that arise following major disasters, as they aim to exploit your generosity and possibly access personal information.

Frequently asked questions

Are all GoFundMe donations non-deductible?

Yes, donations made through GoFundMe and similar platforms to support individuals or families are not tax-deductible. Only contributions to qualified charities can be claimed.

What counts as a "cash donation" for the new deduction rules?

"Cash donations" encompass payments made by cash, check, debit card, credit card, payroll deduction, electronic funds transfer, online payment service, or a gift card redeemable for cash.

Can I claim a deduction for a QCD on Schedule A?

No, QCDs are not deductible as charitable contributions on Schedule A. However, they can reduce your taxable income by not being included in your AGI.

What should I do if I suspect a charity might be a scam?

Before donating, verify the charity's status through the IRS's search tool. Avoid sharing personal or financial information with organizations that aren't recognized as legitimate charities.

How do the new deduction limits apply to joint filers versus single filers?

Joint filers can deduct up to $2,000 of cash donations, while single filers can deduct up to $1,000, starting with the 2026 tax year.

In summary

Donations to specific individuals through platforms like GoFundMe aren’t tax-deductible. Only contributions to recognized charities qualify. Be aware of upcoming changes to deduction rules, which will benefit more taxpayers by allowing deductions without itemizing.

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