Is GoFundMe Tax Deductible?

In most cases, GoFundMe donations are not tax deductible. The IRS only allows a charitable deduction for contributions made to a qualifying tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3). The overwhelming majority of GoFundMe campaigns are created by individuals to raise money for personal situations, such as medical expenses, funeral costs, or emergency needs. Giving money to an individual, regardless of how worthy the cause, does not meet the IRS definition of a charitable contribution and cannot be claimed as a deduction on your federal return.

There is one exception worth understanding. GoFundMe operates a separate program called GoFundMe Charity, through which verified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations can accept donations on the platform. If you donate directly to a certified nonprofit organization through that program, the contribution may qualify as a charitable deduction, subject to the same IRS rules that apply to any other cash gift to a public charity. You would need a written acknowledgment from the organization for any single contribution of $250 or more, and your deduction would be limited to a percentage of your adjusted gross income depending on the type of charity.

To determine whether a specific GoFundMe campaign is deductible, look at who the legal recipient is. If the recipient is a named individual or a family, the donation is a personal gift, not a charitable contribution. If the recipient is a named IRS-recognized nonprofit organization and you receive a receipt confirming that status, the donation may be deductible.

One important clarification: GoFundMe involves cash donations, which follow different IRS rules than non-cash contributions such as donated property, artwork, equipment, or personal belongings. If you are donating physical property to a qualifying charity and the value exceeds $500, you will need to file IRS Form 8283. If that property is worth more than $5,000, you will also need a qualified appraisal prepared by a credentialed appraiser in accordance with USPAP and IRS requirements. You can learn more about what triggers that requirement and how donated item values are determined in our related guides.