For personal fundraisers (like medical bills, education, or emergencies), the donations are usually considered “personal gifts” and are not tax-deductible for the donor. As for the recipient, the IRS generally does not treat genuine personal gifts as taxable income, but it’s always a good idea to keep records and check with a tax professional, especially if large sums are involved.

So in short:

• Donors only get a tax deduction if they donate to a GoFundMe charity fundraiser.

• Recipients of personal fundraisers typically don’t pay taxes on the money, but professional tax advice is recommended.