Taxes, receipts and records
What happens to tax when you give or receive on HelpBLESS, which documents we create for you, and what to keep. This is general information, not tax advice.
Last updated: October 2026
Not tax advice
Tax rules differ by country and by situation. Talk to a qualified tax professional about your case.
The basics
- HelpBLESS is a platform, not a charity. It is operated by Cloudverg LLC. A gift on HelpBLESS goes to an individual or small group, not to a registered charity.
- Gifts to individuals are usually personal gifts. They are generally not tax-deductible for the giver.
- Gifts you receive are often not taxable income, particularly when they come from friends, family and supporters and nothing is given in return. This varies by country and situation.
- Money you receive in exchange for goods or services is different, and may be taxable.
If you give
- You get a receipt by email for every gift, with a printable page. It states the amount, date, recipient and that the gift is generally not tax-deductible.
- Tips to HelpBLESS are payments to Cloudverg LLC and are not charitable contributions.
- If you want a tax deduction, give to a registered charity. If the person you are helping is a registered charity or organization, ask them for their own receipt.
- Find all your receipts under Dashboard, My giving.
If you receive
- You get a statement every time a payout is sent, showing each gift and the fees taken.
- You can download your gifts as a CSV at any time under Dashboard, Tax & payout.
- After the year ends, we email an annual statement with total gifts, number of gifts, fees and net amount.
- Keep these with your own records. If a tax authority asks, these show where the money came from and why.
- If you use gifts for a business or you give something in return, tell your accountant. That can change how it is treated.
Tax forms (W-9 and W-8BEN)
We collect a tax form once you receive more than $600 in a calendar year.
| Form | Who | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| W-9 | U.S. citizens, residents and U.S. companies | Gives us your name, tax classification and taxpayer ID (SSN, EIN or ITIN) so we can report correctly to U.S. authorities if required. |
| W-8BEN | Individuals outside the U.S. | Confirms that you are not a U.S. person and gives your country of citizenship. A tax ID from your own country is optional. |
Your tax ID is encrypted when stored, and only the last four digits are ever shown. You sign electronically by typing your legal name. Until the form is on file, payouts above the level are held. Money keeps collecting meanwhile.
Reporting to tax authorities
Information the law may require us to report.
- United States: payment platforms file Form 1099-K for payments received for goods or services above a federal level ($20,000 and more than 200 payments in a year from 2025). The IRS says a 1099-K should not report gifts from friends and family. California uses a lower level of $600. If a form is required for you, we send you a copy and file it with the IRS and, where required, with the California Franchise Tax Board.
- Other countries: we may share information with a tax authority when the law requires it or when a valid legal request is made. Many countries exchange tax information automatically.
- We keep records of gifts, payouts and tax forms for at least seven years.
Cloudverg LLC is a Wyoming company. Corporate tax and filing obligations of the company itself are handled by the company and its advisers.
Documents we create and send
| Document | Who gets it | When |
|---|---|---|
| Donation receipt | Donor | Immediately after each gift. Also on the My giving page. |
| Gift notification | Recipient | Immediately after each gift. |
| Payout statement | Recipient | Each time a payout is sent. |
| Annual statement | Recipient | In January for the previous year. |
| Form W-9 / W-8BEN record | Recipient and HelpBLESS records | When you sign. Tax ID is stored encrypted. |
| Form 1099-K (if required) | Recipient, IRS and California where applicable | By the legal deadlines (late January to March). |
| Fee receipt | People who pay a post or profile fee | Immediately after payment. |
Different countries
You can use HelpBLESS from almost anywhere.
- Rules on gift and income tax differ widely. Some countries tax gifts above a yearly amount, some tax them only between certain relatives, some do not tax them at all.
- Donors outside the U.S. may be asked by their bank for a foreign-exchange fee, and gifts are in U.S. dollars.
- Payouts to people outside the U.S. need a W-8BEN once above the tax-form level.
- See countries for payout and sign-up details.
Questions
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Generally no. Ask a tax professional. If you need a deduction, give to a registered charity.
Do I have to pay tax on gifts I receive?
Often not, but it depends on your country and situation. Keep your statements and ask a tax professional.
Why do you need my tax ID?
The law may require us to report payments above certain levels, and to hold a correct tax form for people we pay.
Is my tax ID safe?
It is encrypted and only the last four digits are ever shown. Access is limited and logged.
Will I get a 1099-K?
Only if you meet the legal level and the payments are for goods or services. Gifts are generally not reported. Your annual statement shows if a form is likely.