What is one of the requirements for educational expenses to be exempt from donor's tax?

For educational expenses to be exempt from donor's tax, one key requirement is that they must be paid directly to the educational institution. This provision is in place to ensure that the funds are used explicitly for educational purposes, thereby preventing any potential misuse of the funds by the recipient. By requiring direct payment to the institution, the tax authorities can more easily track and confirm that the money is going toward educational expenses, such as tuition, fees, and other related costs, which helps maintain the integrity of the exemption.

In contrast, factors such as documentation by the recipient or dollar limits are not primary requirements, nor is the timing of the payment restricted to summer months. Instead, the focus is on the direct transaction between the donor and the educational institution to uphold the tax exemption eligibility for the expenses incurred.