Refund Policy and Procedures

This refund procedure corresponds to the Joni and Friends policy: Refunding Tax-Deductible Contributions (Refund Policy) released on August 21, 2012

Joni and Friends Contribution Refund Policy and Procedures

To be tax deductible, contributions must be irrevocable (IRS Publication 526). If a donor can get a contribution refunded, then the gift is not irrevocable, and is not tax deductible. The practice of refunding contributions puts all contributions at risk. Joni and Friends has been advised to avoid refunding contributions whenever possible.

Contributions can be refunded in the following limited circumstances:

  1. Donors seeking refunds due to extreme situations
  2. Cancelation of a specific ministry trip or project (contributions made specifically to the canceled initiative may be refunded without creating risks for other contributions)

Refund Procedures:

  1. If the refund is in the same calendar year as the gift, a letter from the Joni and Friends Development office will be issued to the donor asking them to consider redirecting their funds to one of our many programs or outreaches. The donor will be given the option to receive a refund check. If the donor chooses to have their contribution refunded, they will be asked to return their original receipt, as the contribution is no longer tax deductible.
  2. If the refund is for a gift in the previous tax year, Joni and Friends must advise the donor of the following information: “If you claimed a contribution deduction for this gift when you gave it, this refund may be taxable income to you. If you claimed the standard deduction in the year you gave, the refund may not be taxable. We recommend you consult with your accountant or tax preparer about this refund.” Again, before any refund check is distributed to the donor, they will be asked to send us back a response requesting a refund check.

At all times, Joni and Friends strives to steward of all funding well, which includes remaining in compliance with IRS rules and regulations.

Laura Gardner
President and Chief Operating Officer Joni and Friends

Refund Request