Year-End Deadlines

To qualify for a tax deduction this calendar year, your donation must be received by December 31. Deadlines are based on your organization’s local time, unless stated otherwise. This may differ from your own (or from the specific location you’re supporting).

Cash Gifts (Online)

Must be received through the cash gift flow by December 31 @ 11:59 PM.

Manual Cash Gifts (Cash/Checks)

Must be received in-person or postmarked by December 31, unless your organization has noted otherwise.

Stock Gifts

Regardless of when the transfer was initiated, all holdings must be received in Overflow's (or your organization's) brokerage account by December 31.

• 🔔 Priority Deadline: December 10 — Because brokerages often experience higher volume during the holidays, we recommend initiating stock transfers by mid-December to help ensure they’re processed by year-end.

  • After this date, transfers may need to be initiated directly through your brokerage.

• Most brokerages also have their own internal cutoff dates. Transfers initiated after those dates may not be completed by year-end and would count toward the next tax year.

Crypto Gifts

Must be received by your organization's crypto wallet by December 31 @ 11:59 PM.

• ⏳ Crypto transfers are typically fast, but may take longer than expected, especially during periods of high network congestion.

Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Gifts

Must be received by the DAF sponsor by December 31.

• 📌 You don't need to recommend the grant to your organization by that date.

• Most DAF sponsors also have their own internal cutoff dates. Funds contributed after those dates may not be completed by year-end and would count toward the next tax year.

Acknowledgment Letters

Once your gift is received, you should receive a confirmation for your records.

Cash Gifts

You’ll automatically receive an email receipt once your gift is recorded, whether it’s made online (including ExpressGive) or manually entered by your organization. Your receipt will include a confirmation number, contribution date, designation, payment method, gift amount, and billing information.

• 📧 Subject: Thank you for your Contribution to Organization!

• ✅ This email serves as your official donation receipt and can be used for your personal records and tax reporting purposes.

Non-Cash Gifts (Stock and Crypto)

Acknowledgment letters are sent directly by your organization once your gift has been received.

• 📧 If your organization uses Overflow to send acknowledgment letters, you’ll receive an emailed document. A copy will also be available for download in your Donor Profile.

• 📞 Since Overflow can't issue letters on their behalf, we recommend contacting the organization directly if you haven’t received one within 30 days.

Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Gifts

Your DAF sponsor provides the official tax acknowledgment for your contribution. (Your organization may also send a receipt for recordkeeping, but it doesn't affect your tax deduction.)

Giving Statements

Most organizations send annual giving statements to make tax season easier, usually by the end of January. (🔗 Receiving Your Giving Statement)

1. If your organization uses Overflow to send statements, you’ll receive it by email. (If you’ve made at least one online gift, you can also download a copy from your Donor Profile.)

   • 📧 Subject: Your Contribution Statement from Organization

   • If this section is blank, it may be because your organization hasn't sent statements yet, or they issued them outside of Overflow.

2. While giving statements are useful, the IRS doesn't require them as long as acknowledgment letters are sent for each qualifying donation and meet its standards.

Helpful Tips

• If any donations are incorrect or missing, please reach out to your organization directly. (Overflow can't make corrections on their behalf.)

• 🔗 Why Are DAF Gifts Excluded from Giving Statements?

IRS Requirements for Deductible Gifts

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires written acknowledgment for any single donation of $250 or more. To be compliant, these receipts must include:

1. The amount (or a description of any non-cash assets)

   • As required by federal tax law, donors are responsible for calculating both the Fair Market Value (FMV) and cost basis of noncash gifts (e.g., stocks, mutual funds, or other securities) for tax purposes.

   • Your Financial Advisor (or tax professional) can help make sure you're getting the full benefit of your generous gift,

2. A statement noting whether any goods or services were provided

3. The date the contribution was made (or received for non-cash assets)

Tax Considerations for International Gifts

If you’re giving from outside the United States, tax rules may vary by country. Since Overflow isn't able to offer financial or tax advice, your Financial Advisor (or tax professional) is the best resource for understanding how your donation applies to your specific situation.