Reciepting tithe

[suezette]

I would like to know what the church teaching is about giving a receipt for tithe.
Today in my parish, we have the tithe Sunday, which is announced the Sunday before, and a basket is held by the priest who blesses the parishioners who take their tithe to the Alter. Other members who are not able to are encourage to take their tithe to the parish office. I used to do this, and get a receipt at the parish office, but yesterday at our prayer centre when I asked if I will be given a receipt, the lady who works there looked shocked; she repeated “receipt! Why would you want a receipt when God already knows”. Again I had no answer. So I would like to ask the same question here; why get a receipt when God already knows. Is it necessary?

 

[JulianN]

It is if you’re going to deduct it on your tax return.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

If you pay by check your cancelled check serves as a receipt if you need it for your tax deduction.

 

[Augustinian]

You’ll need it if you’re audited by the IRS for this.

 

[Hereiam]

you pay by check your cancelled check serves as a receipt if you need it for your tax deduction.

Only if less $250…otherwise need receipt stating no goods or services received.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Only if less $250…otherwise need receipt stating no goods or services received.

I didn’t know that! My parish always sends a statement with the donation amount and a line about no goods or services but I didn’t know there was a dollar amount attached to it.

 

[1ke]

I would like to know what the church teaching is about giving a receipt for tithe.

The church does not have any teaching. The church follows the laws of the state.

If you are in a country where churches or other charities are required to give receipts, then your church will follow the law of your country.

In the United States, charities and churches are required to give a receipt for any single gift over $250. If someone gives multiple gifts that add up to more than $250, there is no requirement for a receipt. But to simplify things, many parishes just send receipts at the end of the year to everyone who gave no matter the amount.

If you are in another country, i cannot say what the law requires there or what the custom is regarding receipts.

If you want a receipt ask for one, there is nothing wrong with that.

 

[1ke]

Churches and charities have to send a receipt for any any single gift of $250 or more. Most parishes just make it simple by printing out a receipt for everyone. That’s how I do it. In the United States.

 

[Augustinian]

In the United States, charities and churches are required to give a receipt for any single gift over $250.

I don’t think this is correct at all. The obligation is on the taxpayer to have a receipt for gifts over $250 if they itemize their deductions.

If a church doesn’t give receipts, the taxpayer can’t claim the deduction. But I don’t think its a violation for the church.

 

[1ke]

And you are correct. I had never actually looked that up.

Sending receipts for all donations over $250 is a requirement in our diocesan finance manual, and I guess it has been improperly explained in the finance training.

 

[dochawk]

she repeated “receipt! Why would you want a receipt when God already knows”.

“Because Caesar doesn’t!”

hawk

 

[guanophore]

If a church doesn’t give receipts, the taxpayer can’t claim the deduction. But I don’t think its a violation for the church.

Nonsense! I agree that the Church may not give a receipt, but the taxpayer can keep their own records to support the deduction. This is one reason I only give cash when in another parish, and have all my own tithe sent in the form of checks.

 

[Augustinian]

These are the instructions from the IRS, for Schedule A.

Gifts of $250 or more. You can deduct a gift of $250 or more only if you have a statement from the charitable organization showing the information in (1) and (2) next.
The amount of any money contributed and a description (but not value) of any property donated.
Whether the organization did or did not give you any goods or services in return for your contribution. If you did receive any goods or services, a description and estimate of the value must be included. If you received only intangible religious benefits (such as admission to a religious ceremony), the organization must state this, but it doesn’t have to describe or value the benefit.<<

 

[guanophore]

These are the instructions from the IRS

It sounds like a bank record is sufficient.

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1771.pdf