Disclaimer

[CoveBaptist]

Is there a recommended "disclaimer" to be used on the Individual Contribution Records?

[NeilZ]

Is there a recommended "disclaimer" to be used on the Individual Contribution Records?

There's no set disclaimer, although at my current church, the treasurer puts :

Only intangible religious benefits were received in exchange for this contribution.

Which I feel is cold.

[tborgal]

This is the disclaimer that we use.

[Enter your church name here], an I.R.C. Section 501(c) (3) organization, provided no goods or services to the above referenced contributor, except for intangible religious benefits.

Hope this helps.

[NeilZ]

FWIW ... IRS Publication 1771 states the requirement:

Although it is a donor’s responsibility to obtain a written acknowledgment, an organization can assist a donor by providing a timely, written statement containing the following information:
1. name of organization
2. amount of cash contribution
3. description (but not the value) of non-cash contribution

and one of the following:

a. statement that no goods or services were provided by the organization in return for the contribution, if that was the case
b. description and good faith estimate of the value of goods or services, if any, that an organization provided in return for the contribution
c. statement that goods or services, if any, that an organization provided in return for the contribution consisted entirely of intangible religious benefits (described later in this publication), if that was the case

Intangible religious benefits are:

Intangible Religious Benefits Exception — If a religious organization provides only “intangible religious benefits” to a contributor, the acknowledgment does not need to describe or value those benefits. It can simply state that the organization provided intangible religious benefits to the contributor.

What are “intangible religious benefits?” Generally, they are benefits provided by a tax-exempt organization operated exclusively for religious purposes, and are not usually sold in commercial transactions outside a donative (gift) context.

Examples include admission to a religious ceremony and a de minimis tangible benefit, such as wine used in a religious ceremony.

Benefits that are not intangible religious benefits include education leading to a recognized degree, travel services, and consumer goods.

IRS Pub 1828 - Tax Guide for Churches and Religious Organizations also contains more info on requirements.