Go Fund Me contributions

[RWG1950]

Received a Go Fund Me e-mail solicitation from a casual acquaintance experiencing severe financial consequences as a result of cancer surgery.
The e-mail claims this is tax deductible. I have my doubts. Whether or not I decide to give $ will not be tax motivated.
Is such a gift tax deductible ? Thanks for comments

[kathyc2]

Depends on how it was set up. If funds go through a charitable organization such as a church, it may be. The fundraising page will have a "tax deductible" tag and show the qualifying organization.

[FEDUKE404]

So. . . how did the GoFundMe page obtain *your* email address?

A true red flag is the email claiming it is a tax deductible donation (like what's on a raffle ticket?). For my 2? worth, my guess is the chance of a 501c3 organization is. . .slim.

FWIW, an acquaintance received a similar email request for funds for a friend suffering from cancer. The sender even engaged in a follow-up conversation about "Mary" and her needs. The sender had hacked / spoofed the email account to include the account contact list.

Certainly you should help the cancer victim if that is your intent. But "be careful out there!"

FE

[DoubleO]

Even if it goes through a 501c3, it is not tax-deductible if designated for a specific individual. For a specific program, yes, but not for a specific individual. Even churches have to be wary soliciting contributions to meet needs of specific individuals. It is treated as gift to ultimate recipient with org being conduit.

[FEDUKE404]

Even if it goes through a 501c3, it is not tax-deductible if designated for a specific individual. For a specific program, yes, but not for a specific individual. Even churches have to be wary soliciting contributions to meet needs of specific individuals. It is treated as gift to ultimate recipient with org being conduit.

Duly noted.
Hopefully the tax pros out there were already aware of this fundamental rule, so I did not address it.